Staff Software Engineer, Security

Saildrone; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 189,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Comprehensive health coverage

Equity grants

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Saildrone is seeking a Software Engineer to join our Security team. Our engineers wear many hats—building security systems, advising product teams, evaluating vendors, and hunting weaknesses in our defenses. You thrive in complex, distributed environments and own security end-to-end.

This hybrid role requires onsite in Washington, DC (Metrocenter) or Alameda, CA three days per week. This is not a remote position.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive, applicable experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related engineering field such as computer science or computer engineering, or equivalent experience. An advanced degree in a computer-related engineering field such as computer science or computer engineering would be nice.
• Proficiency with at least two languages from the set {Python, C/C++, TypeScript, Go} and one other language.
• Familiarity with infrastructure automation frameworks such as Ansible, Terraform, or Puppet.
• Proficiency with Kubernetes and container technologies.
• Previous security experience of some sort: security development, infrastructure security, security operations, etc.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following: Cloud providers and their services, especially Amazon Web Services; PKI standards and applied cryptography; IoT or robotics technologies, including firmware, CAN architectures, or real-time operating systems
• Experience with FedRAMP, CMMC, or other government cybersecurity standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and operating automated security systems for our drones and shore-side infrastructure
• Reviewing designs and code from other engineering teams, with an eye toward security defects
• Responding to security incidents as part of a rotating on-call schedule
• Assisting with audit efforts for compliance standards such as NIST 800-171 or ISO 27001
• Testing the company’s security posture through manual and automated means, including tabletop exercises, penetration tests, and offensive scanners
• Collaborating with teams across the company to achieve security goals

Skills

Python

C/C++

TypeScript

Go

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE or equivalent

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

Puppet

Kubernetes

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, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in 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 is seeking a Software Engineer to join our Security team. Our engineers change hats often - some days you’re writing new security systems, others you’re helping product teams make design decisions, or assessing a vendor product, or hunting for weaknesses in our defenses. We’re looking for a technical expert who proactively identifies risks, fearlessly advocates for improvements across the product,, and responds decisively to emerging threats. You thrive in complex, distributed environments and take ownership of security end-to-end.

This role is required to be onsite in Washington, DC (Metrocenter) or in Alameda, CA in the Bay Area 3 days per week - this is our hybrid model. This is not a remote position.

THE TEAM

The Security team protects Saildrone’s fleet, systems, and customer data across our global maritime operations. Our vehicles operate far from home, for months at a time, everywhere from crowded inland waterways to hurricanes to contested waters. We face challenges you won’t find anywhere else on the planet, and we want your help!

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designing, building, and operating automated security systems for our drones and shore-side infrastructure
• Reviewing designs and code from other engineering teams, with an eye toward security defects
• Responding to security incidents as part of a rotating on-call schedule
• Assisting with audit efforts for compliance standards such as NIST 800-171 or ISO 27001
• Testing the company’s security posture through manual and automated means, including tabletop exercises, penetration tests, and offensive scanners
• Collaborating with teams across the company to achieve security goals

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of progressive, applicable experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related engineering field such as computer science or computer engineering, or equivalent experience. An advanced degree in a computer-related engineering field such as computer science or computer engineering would be nice.
• Proficiency with at least two languages from the set {Python, C/C++, TypeScript, Go} and one other language.
• Familiarity with infrastructure automation frameworks such as Ansible, Terraform, or Puppet.
• Proficiency with Kubernetes and container technologies.
• Previous security experience of some sort: security development, infrastructure security, security operations, etc.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following:
  
  • Cloud providers and their services, especially Amazon Web Services
  • PKI standards and applied cryptography
  • IoT or robotics technologies, including firmware, CAN architectures, or real-time operating systems
• Experience with FedRAMP, CMMC, or other government cybersecurity standards preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular use of a computer while sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Travel up to 10%.
• This position is subject to provisions of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations, which may require individuals who are U.S. citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, asylees, or refugees, or who have the ability to qualify for an export license.

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

$189,000—$243,000 USD

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 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.