Product Manager, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

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 Product Manager, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) to join our Product Team. Reporting to Saildrone Program Management, you will play a critical role in defining and delivering our end-to-end ISR product stack—from onboard sensor strategy to data fusion, APIs, and user-facing mission tools. Your work will directly shape how defense and national security customers achieve persistent maritime domain awareness using autonomous systems. We are looking for a mission-driven product manager who thrives in operational environments, translates real-world watch floor workflows into clear product requirements, and independently drives execution in a fast-paced, defense-focused organization. THE TEAM The Product function is responsible for defining, prioritizing, and delivering Saildrone’s autonomous maritime intelligence capabilities. We work across hardware, software, and operations to deploy scalable ISR solutions that power global maritime domain awareness in support of national security and defense missions. Operating in close partnership with Engineering, Mission Operations, and customer-facing teams, we turn operational insight into robust, field-ready products that perform in demanding real-world environments. THE RESPONSIBILITIES Define and execute the product strategy and roadmap for Saildrone’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) product line, aligning long-term vision with operational mission needs and emerging threats. Own end-to-end ISR product definition, including sensor selection guidance, data capture, fusion and processing requirements, and user-facing features across UI and API layers. Translate customer watch floor workflows and operational requirements into clear, prioritized engineering requirements, wireframes, and technical specifications. Be accountable for product outcomes, including usability, mission impact, performance, and customer satisfaction. Work closely with Engineering, Technical Program Managers, Hardware and Software leadership to align roadmaps, manage tradeoffs, and deliver capabilities on schedule. Embed with customers and internal mission teams to capture the voice of the user, identify capability gaps, and continuously refine product direction. Support Business Development by contributing to RFIs/RFPs, technical proposals, and early-stage customer engagements. Provide clear updates on roadmap status, risks, and tradeoffs to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. Perform all responsibilities in alignment with Saildrone’s values, security requirements, and operational standards THE QUALIFICATIONS 5+ years of experience in product management, mission operations, or defense-focused roles, with demonstrated ownership of products from concept through deployment and scale. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Systems) or a related technical discipline. Master of Business Administration (MBA) preferred Experience operating in or directly supporting maritime operations centers or ISR watch floors. Demonstrated proficiency in writing clear product requirements for ha…