Fleet Operations Project Controller at Saildrone in California

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, and deployment hubs in Europe and 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

Acts as the data-driven engine for scheduling, cost, and execution across Saildrone's fleet programs. The Project Controller owns the integrated project schedule and cost/budget visibility end to end, not just tracking activity, but driving milestones, budget performance, dependencies, and cross-functional accountability from design through commissioning, deployment, and closure. This embedded, highly visible role partners with Engineering, Fleet, Manufacturing, and Program teams, and provides leadership with a clear, data-driven "Single Source of Truth" on schedule, cost, and performance.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Integrated Scheduling & Execution Ownership: Own and maintain integrated mission and drone build schedules in Smartsheet or Microsoft Project, tracking dependencies, milestones, and critical path across design, build, commissioning, deployment, and closure to keep fleet programs on schedule.
• Cost & Budget Management: Own budget tracking, spend forecasting, and cost performance reporting across fleet programs and missions, identifying variances and cost risks early to keep programs within approved budgets.
• Foundry/WARP Speed Analytics: Design and maintain executive-level dashboards in Palantir Foundry (WARP Speed) and other reporting tools to visualize drone readiness, schedule, cost, and performance.
• Variance & Trend Analysis: Identify schedule, cost, and resource risks early through variance and trend analysis; present concise, data-driven updates to leadership (VP/C-level) highlighting progress and risk areas.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as a central, embedded point of coordination across Engineering, Fleet, Manufacturing, and Program teams, driving accountability and on-time, on-budget delivery across complex, multi-year fleet programs.
• Systems Integration: Support and enhance Smartsheet, Jira/Atlassian (Confluence), Palantir Foundry, and NetSuite integrations to improve schedule and cost reporting traceability and data flow across departments.
• Compliance, Documentation & Commissioning Support: Support drone commissioning activities and documentation in alignment with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and ISO requirements; manage document control for controlled records such as plans, procedures, test reports, and Statements of Work.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in project controls, project management, or scheduling within a complex or regulated industry (maritime, aerospace, defense, or construction).
• Demonstrated ownership of integrated project schedules using Smartsheet or Microsoft Project (required); proficiency with Jira and the Atlassian suite (Confluence preferred) for engineering coordination.
• Experience tracking, forecasting, or reporting on project budgets and cost performance in a program or project-controls environment.
• Experience developing and presenting dashboards or analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau, Palantir Foundry, or equivalent).
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, operations, engineering, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate cost, schedule, and performance data.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Ownership mindset. Drives outcomes and on-time delivery, not just activity tracking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to manage stakeholders across engineering, fleet, manufacturing, quality, and executive leadership.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Self-directed and adaptable; comfortable operating as a highly visible, embedded partner across teams.
• Proactive in identifying and resolving schedule, cost, or resource risks before they escalate.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is primarily performed in an office and manufacturing environment using a computer; requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and attend in-person and/or virtual meetings.
• Able to sit for extended periods of time working at a desk and computer.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% to familiarize with field operations, manufacturing locations, and events representing Saildrone.

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

$128,000—$153,000 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.