Hydrographic Surveyor

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, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in 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 ROLE

Saildrone is seeking a Hydrographic Surveyor responsible for supporting the collection of deep water bathymetric data utilizing an uncrewed survey vehicle. In this role, you will participate in the collection, monitoring, analysis and interpretation of marine survey data.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Hydrographer will perform duties to include data QA/QC, equipment setup/calibration, data acquisition, data processing, equipment maintenance, and production of final deliverables/reports. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Participate in the bathymetric survey project from assignment to completion

Assist the Lead Surveyor with project reporting tasks as needed

Stand watches monitoring a range of sonars/sensors on a fleet of Saildrones operating internationally, plan routes and communicate with drone pilots and mission Lead Surveyor to meet survey objectives and standards

Communicate with applicable Saildrone personnel regarding the status of the survey to update survey plans, troubleshoot and resolve issues, and ensure survey schedules are maintained

Ensure all established field procedures are followed and that they uphold Saildrone’s standards of data collection

Ensure compliance with company standards, industry standards, and local regulations, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement of the company’s processes and procedures

Keeping up to date on latest IHO and national data standards and survey procedures

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing or related discipline

3 or more years experience in the Survey or Geoscience industry as a survey professional

Familiarity with multibeam systems such as Kongsberg, Norbit, Teledyne and acquisition software such as Seafloor Information Systems (SIS), Norbit DCT or Qinsy

Ability to work irregular hours, rotating weekends, and shift work

Candidate is detail-oriented with a disciplined approach to communications, processes, and projects

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Category A/B Hydrographer Certification

NSPS-THSOA Certified Hydrographer

Three or more years of experience processing bathymetric/hydrographic data with Qimera or CARIS

Possess excellent oral and written communication skills

Experience using uncrewed surface vehicles or other autonomous systems for survey operations, including remote watch-standing, telemetry monitoring, and real-time troubleshooting

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.

Saildrone offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits tailored to each global region. Please note that specific benefits listed below may vary or be adapted based on work location, in accordance with applicable local labor standards and statutory market practices.

To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy .

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.