The posting
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 POSITION
Saildrone is seeking an NPI Electrical & Harness Technician to serve as a core technical builder on our New Product Introduction (NPI) team. In this role, you will build, solder, and integrate complex wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and electrical enclosures for pilot builds and prototype platforms. We are looking for an "engineering-minded" technician who possesses deep electrical intuition, deeply understands wiring specifications and schematics, and excels at identifying design flaws early. Your primary mission is to build pilot hardware, capture meticulous redlines, and deliver actionable Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback to electrical and harness design engineers before designs are locked for full production.
THE TEAM
The NPI Team operates at the tip of the spear in hardware execution. Working at the intersection of R&D and production, we collaborate daily across Hardware, Firmware, Software, Quality, and Production teams to mature new hardware and platforms into scalable, buildable products. In our fast-paced environment, we ensure every system is built safely, reliably, and efficiently to perform in high-stakes marine science and maritime defense missions.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Harness & Electrical Fabrication: Build complex wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and electrical enclosures from engineering schematics, wire lists, and CAD layouts.
- Precision Soldering: Perform high-reliability precision soldering on wire-to-wire splices, connectors, potted assemblies, and surface-mount/through-hole components on PCBAs.
- Redline & DFM Feedback: Actively identify schematic errors, routing issues, and connector interferences during pilot builds; meticulously document and deliver redlines and DFM feedback to design engineers.
- Vehicle Integration & Troubleshooting: Perform benchtop testing, continuity checks, and pinout verifications. Assist with physical harness routing, in-vehicle electrical integration, and system troubleshooting on prototype platforms.
- Build Documentation: Maintain detailed build records, capture discrepancy reports, and assist in refining visual assembly instructions for downstream production technicians.
- Production Team Collaboration: Train with the production harness team to establish baseline standards, flexing over to production to support high-volume surges or embedding in R&D during active pilot build cycles.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- 4+ years of experience as a wire harness / electrical technician in a low-volume, high-reliability environment (aerospace, defense, marine, space, or robotics).
- Demonstrated mastery of wire harness fabrication tools, crimping techniques, heat shrink application, potting, and loom braiding.
- Strong soldering skills on both wiring assemblies and PCBAs.
- Ability to read, interpret, and build directly from complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, wire lists, and mechanical drawings.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a track record of documenting engineering redlines and DFM feedback.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience installing and routing harnesses inside tight, IP-rated or weatherproof enclosures.
- Self-starter mindset; ability to operate independently on benchtop builds while maintaining clear communication with engineering.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Active or prior certifications in IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies) or IPC J-STD-001 (Soldering Requirements).
- Experience with harness design software environments (Altium, Zuken) or reviewing CAD harness routes.
- Familiarity with automated cable/harness testing equipment (e.g., Cirris testers).
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
$101,000—$119,000 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.
