Vehicle Assembly and Service Technician

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 Vehicle Assembly & Service Technician to join our European Fleet Management team. Reporting directly to the Operations Director in Denmark with a dotted line to our Director Fleet Service based in the US, you will collaborate with a variety of teams in engineering, operations, and production. You will interact with clients and lead teams around the world, to execute assembly and service operations. You will help turn in-field realities into product improvements, serving as an important link between our end users and the teams at Saildrone who design our products. We are looking for a hands-on technical leader who sets high standards, thrives in demanding field environments, and translates heavy industrial and marine experience into mission success.

THE TEAM

Saildrone vehicles endure extended deployments in demanding maritime environments, supported by a team dedicated to mission success. You will join a collaborative, technically-proficient group focused on vehicle design, production readiness, and operational performance. Our team ensures all USVs are mission-ready, addressing technical challenges rapidly while integrating field insights into continuous vehicle improvements.
The Vehicle Assembly & Service Team is responsible for constructing and servicing Saildrone vehicles as well as training and leading others to do the same.
Based in Copenhagen, you will thrive in an ambitious, fast-paced Nordic culture. We maintain a flat organizational structure where open communication with leadership is encouraged daily. This role offers the opportunity to integrate with both our local Danish entity and our broader US operations, working alongside dedicated professionals passionate about maritime innovation.
We offer comprehensive onboarding and a clear path for professional growth. Compensation includes an attractive salary and pension package, supplemented by health insurance to support your well-being.
This position provides a varied and exciting daily experience, featuring meaningful challenges and significant opportunities to impact our global autonomous operations.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fleet Assembly & Service: Coordinate and contribute to assembly and service workflows for the Saildrone vehicle fleet, helping ensure vehicles are mission-ready, safe, and reliable for operations in accordance with Saildrone’s procedures and applicable safety requirements.
• Technical Execution: Apply solid mechanical and electrical skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment in field, shipyard, or industrial environments.
• Field Operations: Support planned domestic and international deployment, recovery, and repair activities for Saildrone vehicles, including work across Nordic, EU, and other operating locations as needed.
• Knowledge Sharing & Team Support: Support the technical development of colleagues, contractors, clients, and other partners by explaining and demonstrating vehicle assembly and service procedures.
• Professional Collaboration: Represent Saildrone professionally and constructively in interactions with clients, partners, contractors, and colleagues.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively assess current workflows, in-field assembly procedures, and vehicle designs to provide feedback that increases safety, consistency, and overall efficiency.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically 5+ years of relevant experience applying electrical and mechanical skills in a technical service role within a field, shipyard, maritime, or heavy industrial environment; able to follow service instructions, diagrams, and use tools from hand tools to rigging or heavy equipment as required.
• Ability to work collaboratively and take coordination responsibility within teams, including third-party contractors, to deliver operational plans and contractual commitments; able to explain technical concepts and product knowledge clearly to end users.
• Strong planning and documentation habits, with commitment to following and improving safety, process, and work standards, including accurate records and inventory practices.
• Eligibility to work in Denmark/EU and ability to meet role-specific customer, site-access, security, or export-control requirements where applicable; willingness to support planned domestic and international travel, typically 50–75%.
• Service-minded approach with the ability to support external customers and collaborate effectively with Saildrone colleagues.
• Prior experience planning, coordinating, and performing technically complex field operations for a global OEM or similar organization in sectors such as maritime, automotive, aerospace, shipyard, offshore energy, renewable energy, heavy industry, or telecommunications is an advantage.
• Experience in a dynamic, serviceability, or manufacturability role, including developing technical repair content, service documentation, or standardized procedures, is an advantage.
• Ability to systematically isolate, diagnose, and repair issues on electro-mechanical systems in a marine environment preferred.
• Personal or professional experience on or near water, including familiarity with rigging, mooring, and basic boat-handling principles, is an advantage.
• Experience with heavy equipment loading, shipping preparation, offloading, and relocation. Proficiency in driving forklifts, lifting machines, and crane operation preferred.
• Experience driving 30+ ft twin-engine powerboats with vehicles in tow and general experience at sea preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability and willingness to undertake planned domestic and international travel, typically 50–75%, including renting and operating motor vehicles where legally permitted and required for the role.
• Ability to perform role-related physical tasks in shipyard or industrial settings, which may include standing for periods of time and movements such as bending, crouching, kneeling, crawling, or reaching overhead, with appropriate safety controls in place.
• Able to use fine motor and gross motor skills needed to assemble, calibrate, inspect, and repair electro-mechanical components safely and accurately.
• Able to complete required fit testing and use respirators or other specialized personal protective equipment when required by safety procedures and applicable regulations.
• Comfortable working, where properly trained and authorized, at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying weather or temperature conditions typical of maritime field operations.
• Able to inspect technical assemblies and communicate clearly in active or high-noise work environments, using appropriate hearing protection, communication methods, and safety procedures.
• Able to maintain balance and coordination needed to move safely on docks, vessels, and uneven surfaces while handling equipment or tools in accordance with safety procedures.
• Saildrone is responsible for providing the required training, procedures, protective equipment, and safety controls in accordance with applicable workplace safety requirements.

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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.