Mission Delivery Manager

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

Saildrone is seeking a Mission Delivery Manager to join our European Mission Delivery team. Reporting directly to the Operations Director in Denmark with an indirect line to our Global Fleet and program Management team, you will play a critical role in managing missions, monitoring drones, piloting drones, and maintaining key customer relationships for Saildrone’s global USV missions. You will translate customer objectives into executable mission plans, ensure fleet readiness, and maintain real-time operational alignment across internal teams, customers, and external stakeholders. We are looking for a skilled operational leader who creates clarity from complexity, communicates with precision, and thrives in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.

THE TEAM

The Mission Management team drives the end-to-end planning and execution of Saildrone’s autonomous maritime missions. Our core focus is on ensuring safe, reliable, and scalable Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) operations for national security, defense, and commercial applications. Operating at the critical junction of customers, fleet operations, engineering, and product development, this role combines mission management, mission operations, drone monitoring, piloting support, and key account management. This position is central to the organization, requiring communication of both mission objectives and technical expertise to a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Candidates should anticipate being at the forefront of worldwide autonomous vehicle operations in a rapidly evolving industry.

Based in Copenhagen, you will thrive in an ambitious, fast-paced Nordic culture. We maintain a flat organizational structure where open communication with leadership is encouraged daily. This role offers the opportunity to integrate with both our local Danish entity and our broader US operations, working alongside dedicated professionals passionate about maritime innovation.

We offer comprehensive onboarding and a clear path for professional growth. Compensation includes an attractive salary and pension package, supplemented by health insurance to support your well-being.

This position provides a varied and exciting daily experience, featuring meaningful challenges and significant opportunities to impact our global autonomous operations.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Mission Planning & Execution: Plan, coordinate, and manage missions from preparation through execution to support schedule and performance targets, including mission feasibility assessments in partnership with Sales and Program Delivery.

• Operational Monitoring & Piloting Support: Monitor drone performance, navigational status, weather exposure, and payload health, and support or conduct piloting activities as required to support safe and effective operations in line with company procedures, training, and applicable maritime standards..

• Customer & Key Account Management: Act as a key customer interface, maintaining constructive customer relationships, aligning mission objectives, providing operational updates, and supporting customer satisfaction.

• Regulatory & Port Authority: Coordinate liaison with Coast Guard, Port Captains, and VTS, including the management of Reserves and Sanctuaries access permissions and required reporting.

• Fleet Allocation: Coordinate daily with Surveyor, Voyager, and Explorer Fleet Captains to manage drone allocation, deployments, and recoveries in line with mission requirements.

• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Follow and contribute to improvements in Mission Control SOPs, customer guidance, and internal process documentation to support scalable operations.

• System Roadmap Feedback: Provide timely updates on vehicle performance and health issues to Product and R&D teams to support quality improvements and the execution of new product test plans.

• Operational Continuity: Meet watch and mission commitments, manage timelines, and provide status updates to relevant stakeholders while working in accordance with company procedures, COLREGs, and applicable maritime safety standards, and escalating safety or compliance concerns as appropriate.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in maritime operations, autonomous systems, defence, aerospace, or complex technical operations.

• Working knowledge of navigation, COLREGs, and maritime safety practices.

• Hands-on experience with mission monitoring, drone operations, or piloting responsibilities.

• Experience in customer-facing roles, account management, or stakeholder coordination.

• Experience in command-and-control, operations centres, or real-time mission environments.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills across technical, operational, customer, and leadership stakeholders.

• Ability to prioritise, troubleshoot, and make sound decisions in dynamic operational environments.

• Ability to translate mission requirements into actionable operational plans.

• Interest in autonomous technology, maritime awareness, and ocean data.

• Willingness to undertake planned travel as required to support missions and customer engagements.

• Hands-on experience with mission monitoring, drone operations, or piloting responsibilities is an advantage.

• Experience in customer-facing roles, account management, or stakeholder coordination is an advantage.

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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.