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 POSITION
Saildrone is seeking an EHS Specialist to join our Environmental Health and Safety team. Reporting directly to the EHS Manager, you will serve as a subject matter expert driving EHS program implementation, hazard mitigation, and regulatory compliance across high-risk manufacturing operations. We are looking for an analytical, proactive safety leader who can bridge hands-on shop floor engagement with strategic compliance oversight to protect our workforce and support Saildrone’s mission in autonomous ocean data and national security environments.
THE TEAM
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team is responsible for building a proactive, resilient culture of safety, occupational health, and environmental stewardship across all Saildrone facilities. We are dedicated to eliminating workplace hazards, ensuring 100% regulatory readiness, and scaling safety frameworks alongside our growing fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles operating in defense and marine research domains.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drive daily EHS risk management across manufacturing operations (Composites, Machine Shop, Mechanical Assembly). Perform audits, analyze hazard trends, and partner with shop floor supervisors to establish root-cause corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Design, maintain, and audit life safety systems and emergency response plans. Oversee inspection protocols for life safety equipment (fire protection, AEDs, eyewash stations, spill containment) and lead emergency response team training and readiness initiatives.
- Oversee site-level environmental compliance programs, including RCRA hazardous waste accumulation, waste characterization, and profile management to maintain 100% regulatory compliance.
- Lead root-cause analysis (RCA) investigations for workplace incidents and near-misses. Manage workers' compensation cases in collaboration with occupational health partners (e.g., Concentra) to drive effective return-to-work programs.
- Develop and deliver technical safety training programs, including new-hire orientations, industrial hygiene controls, and respirator fit testing. Track completion metrics and update training curriculum to meet evolving OSHA and Cal/OSHA standards.
- Administer industrial hygiene monitoring programs and ergonomic assessment workflows. Implement engineering controls, manage PPE standardizations, and ensure safe working conditions across complex manufacturing environments.
- Support the EHS Manager in developing scalability frameworks, multi-facility compliance strategies, international regulatory alignment, and EHS documentation for contract proposals.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Safety Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Experience: 3+ years of progressive EHS experience within manufacturing, aerospace, composites, or heavy industrial environments.
- Regulatory Expertise: Strong working knowledge of Cal/OSHA, Federal OSHA, EPA/DTSC hazardous waste regulations (RCRA), and local environmental compliance frameworks.
- Technical Skills: Experience conducting root-cause incident investigations (5-Whys, Fishbone), performing industrial hygiene monitoring, managing hazardous waste programs, and facilitating ergonomic risk assessments.
- Train-the-Trainer / Certifications: Certified or qualified to deliver heavy equipment operator training (forklift, aerial lift, overhead crane) and perform qualitative respirator fit testing. EHS certifications (e.g., ASP, CSP, OHST, or OSHA 30-hour) are a strong plus.
- Communication & Collaboration: Outstanding interpersonal and influence skills with a track record of building cross-functional trust among shop floor technicians, engineering teams, operations managers, and external regulatory agency inspectors.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Physical Agility: Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and maneuver across an active manufacturing floor throughout shifts, including lifting up to 50 lbs. as required.
- Precision & Inspection: High visual acuity and manual dexterity to inspect life safety equipment and assess shop floor setups.
- Environmental Adaptability: Ability to work comfortably in active industrial manufacturing environments (composites, machining, assembly) with potential exposure to dust, noise, and fumes.
- Safety Adherence: Strict compliance with all facility PPE protocols, including chemical-resistant gear, respirators, eye protection, and safety footwear.
The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.
Salary Range
$126,000 - $148,000 USD
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.
