Product Manager, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

ABOUT US

With 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.

Headquartered in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington, DC, and global deployment hubs, Saildrone operates missions worldwide. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense technology—where data turns into intelligence, and intelligence drives action.

THE POSITION

Saildrone is seeking a Product Manager – Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) to join our Product Team. Reporting directly to the VP of Program delivery, 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 leader 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 Team 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.
• 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.

Location : This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always-sunny Alameda.

All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.

Benefits :

• Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
• Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Stock Options
• Annual stipend for continued learning and development
• Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
• Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card

The salary range for the role is $115,100-$149,700 annually.

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, and relevant experience, among other factors.

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.

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