Product Manager, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
Saildrone · Alameda · $150,000–$180,000 (stated in the posting)
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 Product Manager, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) to join our Product Team. Reporting to Saildrone Program Management, you will play a critical role in defining and delivering our end-to-end ISR product stack—from onboard sensor strategy to data fusion, APIs, and user-facing mission tools. Your work will directly shape how defense and national security customers achieve persistent maritime domain awareness using autonomous systems. We are looking for a mission-driven product manager who thrives in operational environments, translates real-world watch floor workflows into clear product requirements, and independently drives execution in a fast-paced, defense-focused organization.
THE TEAM
The Product function is responsible for defining, prioritizing, and delivering Saildrone’s autonomous maritime intelligence capabilities. We work across hardware, software, and operations to deploy scalable ISR solutions that power global maritime domain awareness in support of national security and defense missions. Operating in close partnership with Engineering, Mission Operations, and customer-facing teams, we turn operational insight into robust, field-ready products that perform in demanding real-world environments.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and execute the product strategy and roadmap for Saildrone’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) product line, aligning long-term vision with operational mission needs and emerging threats.
- Own end-to-end ISR product definition, including sensor selection guidance, data capture, fusion and processing requirements, and user-facing features across UI and API layers.
- Translate customer watch floor workflows and operational requirements into clear, prioritized engineering requirements, wireframes, and technical specifications.
- Be accountable for product outcomes, including usability, mission impact, performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Work closely with Engineering, Technical Program Managers, Hardware and Software leadership to align roadmaps, manage tradeoffs, and deliver capabilities on schedule.
- Embed with customers and internal mission teams to capture the voice of the user, identify capability gaps, and continuously refine product direction.
- Support Business Development by contributing to RFIs/RFPs, technical proposals, and early-stage customer engagements.
- Provide clear updates on roadmap status, risks, and tradeoffs to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Perform all responsibilities in alignment with Saildrone’s values, security requirements, and operational standards
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of experience in product management, mission operations, or defense-focused roles, with demonstrated ownership of products from concept through deployment and scale.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Systems) or a related technical discipline.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) preferred
- Experience operating in or directly supporting maritime operations centers or ISR watch floors.
- Demonstrated proficiency in writing clear product requirements for hardware-software integrated systems, including data pipelines, analytics, and user interfaces.
- Proven ability to synthesize customer feedback, analyze complex mission workflows, and make informed product tradeoffs in ambiguous environments.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate strategy, requirements, and priorities to engineering teams and executive stakeholders.
- Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance required at time of hire.
- Ability to work full-time onsite in Alameda, CA, with up to 25% travel to customer locations and operational environments.
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.
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.