USV Pilot

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 USV Pilot to join our European Mission Delivery team. Reporting directly to the Operations Director in Denmark with a dotted line to our Pilot Team Manager in the US, you will play a critical role in safely navigating and monitoring Saildrone’s autonomous surface vehicles (USVs) around the globe. This is a Part-Time, Non-Exempt role designed for experienced mariners who can maintain situational awareness under dynamic conditions and ensure 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 Global Mission Control team is responsible for operating and overseeing Saildrone’s fleet 24/7/365. We focus on real-time vehicle monitoring, safe navigation, and mission execution to deliver high-quality data for ocean science, environmental monitoring, and defense applications. Your work ensures vehicles operate safely, efficiently, and predictably in the world’s oceans.
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

• Perform remote piloting and monitoring of Saildrone USVs to support continuous mission operations in accordance with applicable navigational safety, vehicle-health, and internal operating standards.
• Carry out passage-planning activities in accordance with approved procedures, including the safe navigation of shipping lanes and ship traffic while maintaining reasonable Closest Point of Approach (CPA).
• Work closely with Technical Operations and Fleet Service teams to align on vehicle status and support delivery of high-quality data for ocean science, maritime, and defence applications.
• Carry out day-to-day work using the Saildrone Mission Portal and agreed internal communication channels, applying maritime weather information and current-assessment standards.
• Monitor vehicle navigational anomalies or payload status issues, take action to resolve or mitigate issues through remote systems, and escalate when system-health thresholds are exceeded.
• Follow established mission logs and handover procedures, documenting milestones and issues during each watch to support continuous operational coverage.
• Provide timely updates and real-time communication to the Mission Control Lead and forward-deployed teams to support successful vehicle deployments and recoveries.
• Saildrone provides relevant training, procedures, tools, and managerial support to enable safe and compliant mission operations.
• Meet watch commitments within a rotating 4-day-on / 4-day-off schedule, managing assigned priorities across weekends and non-standard working hours in line with applicable local working-time practices.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of relevant maritime command experience, including strong sailing theory knowledge and experience with ocean crossings.
• Sailing-specific CV or experience summary requested in addition to a professional CV, detailing relevant sea time and vessel command experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in digital monitoring tools and computer systems required to manage complex autonomous vehicle fleets remotely.
• Ability to analyse maritime weather forecasts and interpret ocean currents to support sound navigational decisions under time-sensitive conditions.
• Ability to communicate real-time operational status and technical anomalies clearly to internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Ability to work in a hybrid or remote environment and participate in a planned 4-day-on / 4-day-off rotation, including 8-hour shifts, weekends, and agreed core hours in line with applicable Danish working-time rules and company policies.
• Working knowledge of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and standard maritime safety protocols.
• Willingness to undertake planned travel to represent Saildrone at conferences and engage with customers or data specialists as required for the role.

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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.