About the job
THE COMPANY
Saildrone is a pioneering maritime defense organization and the foremost authority in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With unparalleled experience traversing ocean miles and real-world operations, Saildrone actively supports national security and force projection globally, 24/7/365.
Our manufacturing and R&D headquarters are situated in Alameda, CA, complemented by business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs across Europe and the Middle East. By integrating proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable energy, and cutting-edge unmanned surface technology, Saildrone is redefining the operational capabilities of future naval forces. Come be a part of a dynamic, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.
THE POSITION
We are looking for a Senior Operations Quality Manager to enhance our Operations Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will spearhead the daily execution and evolution of our Quality Management System, ensuring that every vehicle delivered meets the highest standards of reliability, traceability, and performance. As production scales and product complexity increases, you will guarantee that our quality systems advance in tandem with the business, from supplier qualifications through manufacturing, deployment, and fleet operations. We seek a hands-on technical leader adept at creating clarity from ambiguity, driving disciplined follow-through, and possessing a proven history of successful execution in fast-paced hardware environments.
THE TEAM
The Operations Team oversees the manufacturing, deployment, and maintenance of Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles. We develop and uphold the operational infrastructure necessary to ensure global maritime domain awareness within a national security and defense framework. Quality is central to this mission, connecting manufacturing and field service to swiftly identify issues, thoroughly resolve root causes, and close feedback loops efficiently. This role collaborates across Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, and Technical Operations to maintain rigor as we scale.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Mature and expand the Quality Management System (QMS) to achieve ISO9001 and/or AS9100D compliance, overseeing internal/external audits, documentation controls, and traceability systems to meet stringent certification criteria.
- Establish and manage company-wide quality KPIs (e.g., First Pass Yield, defect rate, cost of quality) and reporting dashboards to provide...
