Staff Software Engineer, Security

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 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 [https://www.saildrone.com/privacy].

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.