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 Role

Saildrone is seeking a highly organized, passionate Quality and Service Document Writer to join our corporate quality team. As part of a comprehensive team, the role supports multiple Operations teams mainly consisting of Quality, Fleet Service, and Manufacturing. This position will develop high-quality documentation capturing all required processes, standards, and instructions improving quality adherence, serviceability methods, training instructions, and manufacturing efficiency.

Collaboration with engineers, technicians, and operational leaders to create clear, accurate, and well-structured content tailored to the manufacturing and service processes. This role reports directly to the Manager of Quality.

Responsibilities

The Saildrone team is made up of extremely talented, hardworking, proactive, and hands-on individuals, operating in a very fast-paced and rewarding environment. Saildrone is looking to expand this team with like-minded individuals looking to make a mark in the ocean data industry. In this role you will:

● Own the document creation standards and process for all ISO9001 required processes.

● Use your technical expertise to transform detailed engineering concepts, cutting-edge manufacturing processes, and innovative product specs into clear, concise documentation

● Create Work Instructions and SOPs allowing easily to follow step-by-step processes

● Document device operations and characteristics, highlighting performance metrics and technical specs

● Support engineers to capture how devices/sensors operate under different conditions

● Work with Service Engineering teams to develop and document field SOPs

● Help to create the official “Service Manual” for all Saildrone variants, supporting technician training for all repairs and general maintenance

● Work with manufacturing to establish standards for work instruction formatting, storage, and change controls.

● Translate complex engineering data into easy-to-understand explanations and visuals

● Keep an organized knowledge base of best practices, FAQs, and lessons learned

● Partner with cross functional teams gathering details and confirm accuracy

● Serve as a go-to person for questions about documentation needs

● Establish style guides and templates to keep content consistent and user-friendly

● Continuously refine our approaches to ensure the highest quality documentation

● Learn new tools and trends that can improve our docs and processes

● Keep an eye on user feedback and champion documentation improvements whenever needed

● Own the document control system and support the document flow from conception to release

Required skills and experience

● 5+ years of experience in technical writing

● Engineering background (BS in engineering, or BA with equivalent work experience)

● Experience working with CAD files, pictures, engineering drawings, etc. creating detailed instructions that our easy to use with support teams

● You bring a startup mentality to the table, proactively tackling challenges and seeking innovative solutions

● Strong understanding of Technical Writing principles that you can demonstrate through past writing samples

● Able to break down technical concepts so anyone can grasp them

● Ability to manage competing priorities and convey changes in priorities and expected delivery schedule to partner teams

● Strong knowledge of content development cycles, and documentation best practices

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

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

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