Machinist - CNC & Fabrication

About Us

At Saildrone, we sustainably explore, map, and monitor the oceans to understand, protect, and preserve our world. We provide real-time access to critical data from any ocean on earth, 24/7/365, and use proprietary software applications to transform that data into actionable insights and intelligence. Our fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), powered by renewable wind and solar power, have a minimal carbon footprint and operate without the need for a crewed support vessel.

Saildrone works with governments, civil agencies, foundations, universities, and private companies around the globe to drive better information about our oceans and seas—from sailing into the eye of a category 4 hurricane to obtain new data about how storms intensify, collecting new CO2 data in hard-to-reach areas, and counting fish biomass to inform sustainable fishery management, to mapping the ocean floor and reducing illegal fishing and drug trafficking. As a result of our work, we have been included on TIME's List of the 100 Most Influential Companies in 2024, Fast Company’s list of the "World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022," and earned the Ocean Awards’ Innovation Award, presented by the Blue Marine Foundation. Saildrone's hurricane mission was included as one of The New York Times' "Top 21 Things that happened (for the first time) in 2021" and Popular Science's "100 Greatest Innovations of 2021," and entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the "highest windspeed recorded by a USV."

We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate our missions worldwide. Saildrone is backed by top-tier investors in the frontier tech and sustainability sectors, including Social Capital, Capricorn, Lux Capital, BOND Capital, and Emerson Collective.

This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services and autonomous hardware. You will be an integral part of a high-performing multi-disciplinary team that delivers high impact for humanity and future generations.

The Role

Saildrone is seeking a skilled Machinist / CNC operator to join our small but mighty fabrication team. You will work alongside skilled fabricators and engineers to develop prototypes during the design phase, and perform high-volume runs of production parts to keep Saildrone’s fleet of USVs operating around the world. This position will lead the machine center (CNC) operations and support the needs of Saildrones team, plus keep the machines and equipment in top operational condition. This position will report directly to the Fabrication Shop Supervisor as part of the greater Production team.

We are a fast-paced, change prone organization seeking a skilled machinist to join our team.

Responsibilities

• Work from blueprints and technical drawings created by the engineering team to set up and program Doosan 5700 with Fanuc UI.
• Input the design specifications, including dimensions and cutting speeds and tooling into the computer that controls the machine to ensure proper finish, and optimal run time.
• Load raw materials onto the machine, monitor the machine during the cutting process, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the output matches the design precisely.
• Confirm parts meet design specification by performing regular inspections of the finished products using precision measuring tools.
• Find opportunities to improve the quality or efficiency of our machining processes & Suggest new tools or methods.
• Carry out routine, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting tasks on the machine.
• This can involve minor repairs, lubricating parts, or calling for specialist assistance if a major problem arises.
• Responsible for ensuring that the work area is clean and safe at all times.
• Build and/or fabricate parts used in Saildrone’s fleet of engineering test and mission ready drones.
• Meet required timelines and schedules.
  
  

Required Skills and Experience

• Highschool graduate or GED certificate. Vocational certificate (required)
• Two plus years experience operating 3 or 5 axis CNC machines
• Technical knowledge and understanding of CNC machines and their operations to accurately perform the tasks required. Specifically, 3 Axis, Dooson 5700 with Fanuc UI.
• Computer skills (NX, Solid Works, Fusion 360) to program the CNC machine according to project requirements.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and technical drawings to accurately set up and operate the machine.
• General machine shop equipment knowledge and skill set to support fabrication work beyond only CNC (lathe, drill-press, sanders, etc.)
• Mathematical skills to understand complex calculations and to make precise measurements.
• Design and create part specific tooling, clamps, hold downs etc..
• Attention to detail for detecting flaws in production and ensuring the highest quality of final products.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and troubleshoot issues that arise during the operation of the CNC machine.
• Work required over-time, supporting critical schedules.
• Willingness to cross-train throughout the fabrication shop, supporting team structure.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Physical stamina and strength to stand for long periods, move heavy items and perform repetitive tasks.
• Able to repeatedly lift 50+ pounds to load and unload machines.
• Dexterity and fine motor skills for precise control of the machining tools.
  
  

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda. Even our walls have good karma, our offices mix software development with a hardware production line in the former airplane hangar used to film 'The Matrix'.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents.
• Short and relaxing ferry ride from the Ferry Building for SF residents
• Enhanced Parental Leave Programs
• Competitive benefits including excellent medical, life insurance, 401k plan
  
  

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The Tiny Craft Mapping Superstorms at Sea – The New York Times
TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone
An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle
Hacking the Anthropocene with Survivalist Robots [VIDEO] – Freethink
An Unprecedented View Inside a Hurricane – EOS
Saildrone’s First Aluminum Surveyor Autonomous Vessel Splashes Down for Navy Testing – TechCrunch
USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings
Saildrone Vehicles Track Whales around Offshore Wind Power – Workboat
Mullen, Former Joint Chiefs Chairman, to Lead Board for Unmanned Tech Firm Saildrone – Breaking Defense
The Navy Is Using Robot Ships to Deter Human Smuggling out of Haiti – Defense One
Saildrone's Quiet Voyage: Autonomous Vehicle Aids Great Lakes Fish Stock Study – Up North Live
Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

At Saildrone, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team leads to innovation and better problem-solving. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, disabilities, and backgrounds.

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.

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.

Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.

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