Ocean Career: Saildrone Senior Mechanical Engineer
At Saildrone, we sustainably explore, map, and monitor the oceans to understand, protect, and preserve our world. We provide real-time access to critical data from any ocean on earth, 24/7/365, and use proprietary software applications to transform that data into actionable insights and intelligence. Our fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), powered by renewable wind and solar power, have a minimal carbon footprint and operate without the need for a crewed support vessel. Saildrone works with governments, civil agencies, foundations, universities, and private companies around the globe to drive better information about our oceans and seas.
This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services and autonomous hardware. You will be an integral part of a high-performing multi-disciplinary team delivering high impact for humanity and future generations.
The Role The Hardware Engineering Team is seeking an eager, ambitious, and hardworking Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Design team. The ideal candidate will bring relevant experience from the Marine Industry with knowledge of composite structures, mechanisms, actuated and electro-mechanical assemblies, thermal and power generation systems, and an understanding of the challenges associated with developing reliable autonomous systems that operate for months on end in the open ocean.
Responsibilities - Owns the design and development of complex electro-mechanical parts and assemblies related to unmanned autonomous surface vehicles.
- May act as a technical lead for a small team of engineers in the development of a complex and embedded electro-mechanical system.
- Performs necessary calculations and testing to de-risk, validate, and inform design decisions.
- Willingness and desire to be hands-on during proof of concept and prototype phases with basic fabrication and assembly skills.
- Communicates proactively across department boundaries to enable success of their design.
- Interprets and applies guidelines and requirements from Third Party Authorities such as ABS, DNVGL, and Bureau Veritas to ensure compliance with Marine Regulations.
- Works closely with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure a smooth handoff of design to production.
- Is responsible for project completion from early conception through design and production.
- Supports scheduling efforts and coordinates with Project Managers.
- Collaborates with Electrical Engineering and reviews harness designs.
- Maintains drafting standards and helps to improve the quality of work across the mechanical team.
- Provides mentorship for junior mechanical engineers.
Required Skill and Experience - Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (preferably mechanically focused) or equivalent field experience and 8+ years of experience.
- Expertise designing for a variety of manufacturing processes such as welding, composite layups, CNC machining, sheet metal, castings, 3D printing, and structural bonding.
- Experience creating electro-mechanical assemblies and an understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals.
- Experience performing structural and thermal analysis using both hand calculations and computer-aided simulation.
- Experience with 3D modeling software, Nx preferred.
- Desire and ability to thrive in a fast-paced R&D and manufacturing setting.
- Experience in the Marine Industry preferred.
- Experience with multiple product launches.
- Experience working with fabrication shops and contract manufacturers.
- Proactive problem-solving skills.
Physical Requirements Must be able to stand, walk, use hands to grasp, push and pull, bend, lift up to 50 lbs, and reach with your hands and arms. Must be able to perform work on a computer that requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda.
Benefits - Medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents.
- Short and relaxing ferry ride from the Ferry Building for SF residents.
- Enhanced Parental Leave Programs.
- Competitive benefits including excellent medical, life insurance, 401k plan.
A reasonable estimate of the current range is $115,000-$150,000 annually.
