Head of Software

Software Leadership

• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams across Infrastructure, Cloud, Onboard Vehicle Software, Data, and Perception/ML.
• Execute the software strategic vision set by the CEO, aligning priorities with Saildrone’s mission and business objectives.
• Drive secure, high-quality engineering practices across all software domains.

Program & Project Delivery

• Oversee the planning, prioritization, and execution of software deliverables, ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.
• Define timelines and milestones in coordination with Technical Program Management, ensuring effective resource allocation and risk mitigation.
• Implement best practices for agile software development, quality assurance, and release management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Hardware, Firmware, and Systems Engineering teams to ensure robust end-to-end system integration.
• Collaborate with Mission and Business Development teams to ensure software capabilities meet operational and customer requirements.
• Work with Security, Legal, and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to defense, regulatory, and export control standards.

Talent Development & Team Building

• Recruit, retain, and develop world-class software engineering talent.
• Foster a culture of performance, accountability, security-first thinking, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor software managers and technical leads to grow leadership capability within the organization.

Operational Excellence

• Manage software budgets, resources, and performance metrics in coordination with the Head of Engineering.
• Ensure scalable infrastructure and reliable software deployment pipelines for global operations.
• Oversee software testing, validation, and compliance with mission-critical requirements.

Saildrone's unmanned surface vehicles deliver continuous, real-time intelligence in the toughest oceans on Earth—giving partners faster awareness, stronger security, and a decisive edge at sea to support border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field; advanced technical or management degree preferred.
• 15+ years of software engineering leadership experience, including managing large, multidisciplinary teams in high-growth technology companies.
• Proven success delivering complex software systems (cloud, infrastructure, autonomous vehicle systems, AI/ML) on time and within budget.
• Experience navigating 3rd party Vendors and make/buy decision.
• Strong background in distributed systems, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and execution skills.
• Experience with product growth and scaling.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience in perception and machine learning software strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with defense, aerospace, or maritime industries is a plus.

• 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
• Salary range: $201,100 - $300,000 annually

Saildrone designs and operates unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) powered by advanced sensors and proprietary AI to collect critical insights above and below the ocean surface, supporting border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection worldwide.