Principal Software Engineer, Perception

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365. 

Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

THE POSITION

Saildrone builds autonomous maritime systems that must perceive and understand the world without continuous human supervision. As Principal Engineer, Perception, you will define the technical direction and architecture of the perception systems that enable our vehicles to operate reliably in complex, changing environments.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You will own the hardest perception problems, make architectural decisions, and connect sensing, estimation, machine learning, and production software into a coherent system deployed on real vehicles.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define the architecture and technical direction for Saildrone's perception systems.
• Lead the hardest problems in sensor fusion, probabilistic estimation, localization, tracking, mapping, and uncertainty estimation.
• Determine how heterogeneous sensors and perception algorithms combine to produce reliable information for downstream autonomy.
• Translate research and algorithms into robust production capabilities within real-world constraints on sensors, compute, latency, and environmental conditions.
• Provide technical direction to senior and staff engineers through architecture, technical review, and problem solving.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional depth in perception and robotics, with a track record of deploying perception systems on autonomous vehicles, robots, aerospace, defense, or similarly complex physical systems.
• Deep expertise in sensor fusion, probabilistic estimation, and uncertainty modeling.
• Strong mathematical and algorithmic foundations, with depth in multiple areas such as computer vision, localization, state estimation, tracking, mapping, or machine learning.
• A track record of taking sophisticated algorithms or research from experimentation into reliable production systems.
• Experience setting technical direction and architecture for complex autonomous systems.
• Exceptional technical judgment demonstrated through consequential technical decisions and problem solving.

Nice to have

• Research or applied-research experience in perception or robotics.
• Experience deploying and maintaining autonomous systems in challenging or constrained environments.
• Experience across multiple generations of an autonomous platform.

The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.

Salary Range

$300,000—$380,000 USD

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BENEFITS

At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters-and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance. 

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents-providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.