Fleet Operations Project Controller

The posting, as Saildrone wrote it

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

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.

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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.