Global Autonomous Maritime Mission Lead

Socket.dev; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Health coverage

Equity

401(k)

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Saildrone, a maritime defense leader based in Alameda, CA, seeks a Mission Manager to join the Mission Execution team. You will plan, coordinate, and execute on-the-water operations for global USV missions, translating customer objectives into executable mission plans and ensuring fleet readiness.

You will collaborate with Sales, Program Delivery, and external stakeholders, balancing safety, COLREGS compliance, and mission success in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in maritime operations or complex technical operations.
• Working knowledge of navigation, COLREGS, and maritime safety practices.
• Experience in command-and-control, operations centers, or real-time mission environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication across technical, operational, and executive stakeholders.
• Proven ability to prioritize, troubleshoot, and make decisions in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
• Ability to translate mission requirements into actionable operational plans.
• Passion for autonomous technology and ocean data.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate global mission operations to meet schedule and performance targets.
• Serve as primary lead for mission feasibility assessments with Sales and Program Delivery.
• Liaise with Coast Guard, Port Captains, and VTS for reporting and permissions.
• Coordinate with customers via Mission Portal on routing and CONOPS.
• Manage drone allocation, deployments, and recoveries with Fleet Captains.
• Monitor fleet navigation, weather risks, and payload status; 24/7 tasking of piloting team when needed.
• Develop and refine Mission Control SOPs and training materials.
• Provide updates on vehicle performance to Product and R&D teams; support test plans.
• Ensure operations follow COLREGS and maritime safety standards.

Skills

Maritime operations

Navigation & COLREGS

Command & control

Communication

Decision making under pressure

Mission planning translate

Willingness to travel

Job description

Saildrone, a maritime defense leader based in Alameda, CA, seeks a Mission Manager to join the Mission Execution team. You will plan, coordinate, and execute on-the-water operations for global USV missions, translating customer objectives into executable mission plans and ensuring fleet readiness.

You will collaborate with Sales, Program Delivery, and external stakeholders, balancing safety, COLREGS compliance, and mission success in a fast-paced environment.