Logistics Coordinator

About Us At Saildrone, we sustainably explore, map, and monitor the oceans to understand, protect, and preserve our world. We provide real-time access to critical data from any ocean on earth, 24/7/365, and use proprietary software applications to transform that data into actionable insights and intelligence. Our fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), powered by renewable wind and solar power, have a minimal carbon footprint and operate without the need for a crewed support vessel.

Saildrone works with governments, civil agencies, foundations, universities, and private companies around the globe to drive better information about our oceans and seas—from sailing into the eye of a category 4 hurricane to obtain new data about how storms intensify, collecting new CO2 data in hard-to-reach areas, and counting fish biomass to inform sustainable fishery management, to mapping the ocean floor and reducing illegal fishing and drug trafficking. As a result of our work, we have been included on TIME’s List of the 100 Most Influential Companies in 2024, Fast Company’s list of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022,” and earned the Ocean Awards’ Innovation Award, presented by the Blue Marine Foundation. Saildrone’s hurricane mission was included as one of The New York Times’ “Top 21 Things that happened (for the first time) in 2021” and Popular Science’s “100 Greatest Innovations of 2021,” and entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the “highest windspeed recorded by a USV.”

We are based in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL, and operate our missions worldwide. Saildrone is backed by top-tier investors in the frontier tech and sustainability sectors, including Social Capital, Capricorn, Lux Capital, BOND Capital, and Emerson Collective.

This is an exciting opportunity with a fast-growing team at the cutting-edge intersection of big data services and autonomous hardware. You will be an integral part of a high-performing multi-disciplinary team that delivers high impact for humanity and future generations.

The Role

Saildrone is rapidly scaling operations based on increased demand for its uncrewed autonomous sailing vehicles. To deliver and execute, a Logistics Coordinator is needed at our Alameda CA facility. In this position, you will develop and execute solutions to move material into the field to deliver drones ready to perform their required missions.

The ideal candidate will be motivated by the nuance and complexity of international logistics and by providing support to enable field teams to deliver for Saildrone’s customers. You’ll be asked to pull proverbial rabbits out of the hat to get material to locations around the world on a moments-notice, while seeking opportunities to reduce cost and ensure Saildrone’s operations are compliant with regulatory and customs requirements.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for executing shipping and global cargo logistics, coordinating timing, documentation, and internal communications.
• Communicate with cargo forwarders, customs agents, and trucking companies to ensure timely pick-up and deliveries worldwide.
• Prepare documentation for customs clearance, including commercial invoices, carnets, and bills of lading.
• Manage shipment process and performance in order to support global missions.
• Serve as in-house coordinator to efficiently address and expedite domestic & international shipping and critical logistical needs of the business.

What We’re Looking For

• A top performer in this role will be highly motivated by and skilled in the following areas:
• Energized by developing and executing effective and compliant solutions to complex international logistics problems.
• Deep understanding of logistics requirements, from interactions with customs, to nuances of carrier effectiveness, to ECCN details.
• Disciplined and methodical, yet creative and thoughtful when you encounter ambiguity or a lack of existing process or standards.
• Question processes and their requirements. Use data, technical competence, and sound judgment to tactfully push back on peers and company leaders. Ask the right questions at the right time and make decisions that position customer outcomes as the top priority.
• Ability to consistently follow-through and get results. This role will require a high degree of conscientiousness, diligence, and prioritization.

Required Skills And Experience

Skills that are necessary to executing the core functions of this role are listed below.

• At least two years executing complex international logistics with an understanding of procedures required for the movement of cargo.
• Demonstrated understanding of modes of transport and documentation requirements for domestic and international shipping.
• Familiarity with small package shipping, via UPS, Fedex, and other commercial carriers.
• Organized and self-driven, capable of working independently with little direction.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Experience with Netsuite and/or comparable ERP and Logistics applications.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed to address critical movements. Up to 10% travel may be required. U.S. person status is required for this role.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of role-relevant experience.

Desired Skills And Experience

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of specific skills where prior knowledge and experience would lend itself to high performance:

• Prior experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or a related field is relevant.
• Knowledge of Air, Ocean, FTL and LTL logistics
• Professional experience with USCBP Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
• Understanding of Customs operations, procedures, and regulations

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs and participate in cargo packing, loading, strapping.

Location: This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda. Even our walls have good karma, our offices mix software development with a hardware production line in the former airplane hangar used to film ‘The Matrix’.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents.
• Short and relaxing ferry ride from the Ferry Building for SF residents
• Enhanced Parental Leave Programs
• Competitive benefits including excellent medical, life insurance, 401k plan

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $100,200-$130,200 annually.

Catch up on the latest news about us:

The Tiny Craft Mapping Superstorms at Sea – The New York Times

TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone

An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle

Hacking the Anthropocene with Survivalist Robots [VIDEO] – Freethink

An Unprecedented View Inside a Hurricane – EOS

Saildrone’s First Aluminum Surveyor Autonomous Vessel Splashes Down for Navy Testing – TechCrunch

USVs Could Deter IUU Fishing – USNI Proceedings

Saildrone Vehicles Track Whales around Offshore Wind Power – Workboat

Mullen, Former Joint Chiefs Chairman, to Lead Board for Unmanned Tech Firm Saildrone – Breaking Defense

The Navy Is Using Robot Ships to Deter Human Smuggling out of Haiti – Defense One

Saildrone’s Quiet Voyage: Autonomous Vehicle Aids Great Lakes Fish Stock Study – Up North Live

Saildrone Featured Videos Playlist

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

At Saildrone, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team leads to innovation and better problem-solving. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, disabilities, and backgrounds.

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.

All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.

Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.