Hydrographic Surveyor

Saildrone; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Health coverage

Equity grants

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Saildrone seeks a Hydrographic Surveyor to support deep water bathymetric data collection using an uncrewed survey vehicle. You will participate in collection, monitoring, analysis and interpretation of marine survey data.

The role covers data QA/QC, equipment setup, data processing, and delivering final reports, while coordinating with pilots and the Lead Surveyor to meet survey objectives across international operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing or related discipline
• 3+ years experience in the Survey or Geoscience industry as a survey professional
• Familiarity with multibeam systems and acquisition software (SIS, Norbit, Qinsy, Qimera, CARIS)
• Ability to work irregular hours, rotating weekends, and shift work
• Detail-oriented with disciplined communication and project practices

Responsibilities

• Data QA/QC, equipment setup and calibration, data acquisition
• Data processing and production of final deliverables/reports
• Stand watches and monitor sonar/sensors on international fleet
• Plan routes, communicate with pilots and Lead Surveyor to meet objectives
• Ensure field procedures meet Saildrone standards and regulations
• Identify process improvements and stay current with IHO/national standards

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Facility with irregular hours

Field operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hydrography or related field

Tools

Kongsberg multibeam

Norbit

Teledyne systems

Qinsy

Qimera/CARIS

SIS software

Job description

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 ROLE

Saildrone is seeking a Hydrographic Surveyor responsible for supporting the collection of deep water bathymetric data utilizing an uncrewed survey vehicle. In this role, you will participate in the collection, monitoring, analysis and interpretation of marine survey data.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Hydrographer will perform duties to include data QA/QC, equipment setup/calibration, data acquisition, data processing, equipment maintenance, and production of final deliverables/reports. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in the bathymetric survey project from assignment to completion
• Assist the Lead Surveyor with project reporting tasks as needed
• Stand watches monitoring a range of sonars/sensors on a fleet of Saildrones operating internationally, plan routes and communicate with drone pilots and mission Lead Surveyor to meet survey objectives and standards
• Communicate with applicable Saildrone personnel regarding the status of the survey to update survey plans, troubleshoot and resolve issues, and ensure survey schedules are maintained
• Ensure all established field procedures are followed and that they uphold Saildrone's standards of data collection
• Ensure compliance with company standards, industry standards, and local regulations, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement of the company's processes and procedures
• Keeping up to date on latest IHO and national data standards and survey procedures

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing or related discipline
• 3 or more years experience in the Survey or Geoscience industry as a survey professional
• Familiarity with multibeam systems such as Kongsberg, Norbit, Teledyne and acquisition software such as Seafloor Information Systems (SIS), Norbit DCT or Qinsy
• Ability to work irregular hours, rotating weekends, and shift work
• Candidate is detail-oriented with a disciplined approach to communications, processes, and projects

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Category A/B Hydrographer Certification
• NSPS-THSOA Certified Hydrographer
• Three or more years of experience processing bathymetric/hydrographic data with Qimera or CARIS
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience using uncrewed surface vehicles or other autonomous systems for survey operations, including remote watch-standing, telemetry monitoring, and real-time troubleshooting

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.

Saildrone offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits tailored to each global region. Please note that specific benefits listed below may vary or be adapted based on work location, in accordance with applicable local labor standards and statutory market practices.

To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy .

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