Ocean Career: Saildrone Head of Mission Execution

Ocean Career: Saildrone Head of Mission Execution7 January 2026With more than 2 million nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone has earned the trust of governments worldwide. Our unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) deliver continuous, real‑time intelligence in the toughest oceans on Earth—giving our partners faster awareness, stronger security, and a decisive edge at sea. Our USVs are long‑range, extreme‑endurance platforms powered by advanced sensors and proprietary AI—they have been designed to operate where no crewed vessel can. They collect critical insights above and below the surface to support border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection.The RoleThe Head of Mission Execution is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing the successful operational delivery of our USV‑powered customer missions globally. This role is pivotal for driving revenue and customer satisfaction by ensuring our fleet is maximized for performance, reliability, schedule attainment, and cost‑efficiency.You will lead global, 24/7 operational teams to maintain, allocate, and execute customer missions. In collaboration with the Fleet Captains, who manage USV class types (Explorer, Voyager, Surveyor, and Spectre), you will plan and schedule missions and develop forward operating bases based on regional growth and specific customer needs. Supporting teams—Bridge, Service, Logistics, and Technical Engineering—provide navigation, maintenance, troubleshooting, spare parts, and logistical support across international locations, providing real‑time feedback to the supporting organizations within Saildrone for rapid response to mission uptime.ResponsibilitiesKey outcomesMaximize fleet performance and utilization: Ensure peak operational control and maximize USV uptime to meet business objectives and growth targets.Optimize operational efficiency: Right‑size the fleet and balance the costs of maintenance and operation. Follow standard commissioning procedures introducing new USVs into the fleet.Drive mission and customer success: Oversee mission execution, measured by USV performance, cost‑efficiency, and on‑schedule delivery working directly with Customer Success and Account Managers.Develop global operational strategy: Lead a 24/7 global team, including Fleet Captains who manage specific USV classes (Explorer, Voyager, Surveyor, Spectre), to plan and schedule missions.Strategize logistical deployment: Plan and develop forward operating bases based on regional growth and customer requirements, balancing costs with fleet readiness.Drive Safety Culture: Establish and train the team based on standardized work and best operating practices, focused on a safety‑first mindset. Monitor, investigate, and report all incidents.Ensure Operational Excellence: Manage the organization through defined metrics and KPIs monitoring uptime, return to mission, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction.Leadership & Team ManagementCrew development: The ability to build a cohesive and high‑performing crew, often from various nationalities, focusing on mutual respect and a shared goal.Motivational skills: The capacity to inspire a team under immense pressure, making unpopular but necessary decisions for overall success.Communication: Excellent communication skills are vital for coordinating the crew and ensuring precise teamwork.Required Skills and Experience10+ years of maritime experience leading teams and organizations. Overseeing campaigns, which included readiness, logistics, training, and execution of successful outcomes.Demonstrated experience managing technical fleets, with a focus on service and maintenance.Understanding advanced boat technology and the development from design through manufacture.Proven expertise in profit and loss (P&L) analysis related to system uptime.Track record of successful project delivery, budget control, and operational scaling in a high‑growth startup environment.Demonstrated commitment to operating safely in maritime environments.Ability to travel based on mission demands and schedules.Desired Skills and Experience3+ years of experience with maritime rules, regulations, and proper seamanship, including familiarity with shipyards, marinas, and ports (relevant certifications or experience to be provided).Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always‑sunny Alameda.Salary range: $201,000‑$288,000 annually. #J-18808-Ljbffr