{"id":2488495,"url":"https://alion.io/job/saildrone-senior-mechanical-engineer","title":"Senior Mechanical Engineer","company":{"id":58789,"name":"Saildrone","domain":"saildrone.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/saildrone","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":13,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":null,"computed_at":"2026-10-16T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Alameda, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":135000,"max":160000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":160000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":10,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"Rest API","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-13T22:15:28Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-13","last_verified_at":"2026-10-16T20:27:24Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":2,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":2},"description":"THE COMPANY\nSaildrone 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. \nSaildrone’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.\nTHE POSITION\nSaildrone is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Design team. Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, you will play a critical role in owning the mechanical design and end-to-end development of complex components, mechanisms, and assemblies for our autonomous surface vehicles. We are looking for a hands-on technical expert who thrives in a fast-paced R&D and manufacturing environment, driving projects from early concept through full production.\nTHE TEAM\nThe Mechanical Design team within Hardware Engineering is responsible for the mechanical, structural, and electro-mechanical systems that power our uncrewed surface vehicles. We are focused on delivering robust, ocean-ready autonomous hardware to support critical missions across maritime domain awareness, ocean mapping, and national security environments.\nTHE RESPONSIBILITIES\nOwn the design, development, and delivery of complex electro-mechanical parts, assemblies, and associated tooling from initial concept through production.\nDefine and communicate system-level requirements across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering disciplines while creating detailed system diagrams and models.\nDevelop detailed 3D CAD models, maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), and produce detailed technical drawings.\nPerform and review engineering hand calculations, fluid/thermal analyses, and test data to de-risk designs and validate vehicle performance.\nFabricate proof-of-concept prototypes and tooling utilizing basic shop skills including manual machining, drilling, bonding, and welding.\nPartner with Electrical Engineering to review wiring harness designs and coordinate with Project Managers to maintain development schedules.\nUphold drafting standards and promote technical excellence across the mechanical engineering team.\nTHE QUALIFICATIONS\nBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline (or equivalent practical field experience).\n10+ years of hands-on professional experience driving mechanical component and system design in Marine, Aerospace, Automotive, or related industries.\nDemonstrated expertise designing for diverse manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, composite layups, sheet metal, castings, 3D printing, welding, and structural bonding.\nAdvanced experience with CAD software packages (Siemens NX strongly preferred) and strong fundamentals of mechanical design concepts.\nDemonstrated understanding of mechanics, electrical circuits, fluid systems, and thermodynamics.\nPractical machine shop skills, including hands-on experience with manual machining, drilling, bonding, and welding equipment.\nProven track record of navigating fast-paced R&D and manufacturing settings, with experience working directly with fabrication shops and contract manufacturers.\nPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS\nPhysical Strength & Agility: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, bend, kneel, and stand for extended periods during testing, assembly, and shop operations.\nManual Precision: High manual dexterity to operate basic hand, fabrication, and machine shop tools safely during prototyping.\nEnvironmental Adaptability: Comfort working in dynamic lab, manufacturing shop, and waterfront operational environments.\nThe 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.\nSalary Range\n$135,000—$160,000 USD\nTo view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.\nBENEFITS\nAt 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. \n 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.\nComprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents-providing security and peace of mind.\nShared 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.\n Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.\nInvestment 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.\n Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.\nSaildrone 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.","description_format":"text","description_chars":6398,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":10,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Continuous learning","Equity","Professional development","Relocation assistance","Retirement plans"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":true,"industries":["Military","Drones & UAVs","Naval Systems"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-14T01:20:14Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":63,"band":"ok","label":"Likely open","p_open":1,"p_active":0.632,"p_room":1,"age_days":2,"expected_fill_days":24,"reasons":["conf:2","stale_co","velocity","win:early"],"computed_at":"2026-10-16T05:45:00Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":160000,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/saildrone-senior-mechanical-engineer","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/saildrone-senior-mechanical-engineer.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-16T21:28:39Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":2441,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-10-17T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":58789},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=58789"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fsaildrone-senior-mechanical-engineer"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fsaildrone-senior-mechanical-engineer"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fsaildrone-senior-mechanical-engineer"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/saildrone-senior-mechanical-engineer\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fsaildrone-senior-mechanical-engineer"}]}