Program Manager, Strategic Partnership

Company: Saildrone
Location: Alameda
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description About Us With more than 2 million nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone has earned the trust of governments worldwide. Our unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) deliver continuous, real-time intelligence in the toughest oceans on Earth—giving our partners faster awareness, stronger security, and a decisive edge at sea. Our USVs are long-range, extreme-endurance platforms powered by advanced sensors and proprietary AI - they have been designed to operate where no crewed vessel can. They collect critical insights above and below the surface to support border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection. Headquartered in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington, DC, and global deployment hubs, Saildrone operates missions worldwide. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense technology—where data turns into intelligence, and intelligence drives action. Mission Own and lead Saildrone’s most critical strategic partner program. This role is accountable for end-to-end program ownership, executive-level partner relationships, and delivery excellence across a portfolio of high-impact, multi-year strategic partnerships. You will operate as the single-threaded owner for all projects associated with assigned strategic partners— driving execution, managing risk, and ensuring alignment between partner commitments and Saildrone’s technical, operational, and financial objectives. What You’ll Do Serve as the executive point of contact for assigned strategic partner, owning senior-level relationships and day-to-day program execution Own a portfolio of complex projects, from contract award through delivery, acceptance, sustainment, and expansion Lead cross-functional execution across engineering, operations, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, legal, security, and field teams Establish and maintain integrated master plans, schedules, and budgets to ensure predictable delivery Anticipate, surface, and mitigate technical, schedule, cost, contractual, and operational risks Drive structured program, partner, and executive reviews with clear accountability and decision-making Partner closely with business development and executive leadership to identify follow-on opportunities, program extensions, and new strategic initiatives Represent the partner internally and Saildrone externally with authority, credibility, and clarity What You Bring 12 years of experience leading complex technical programs, including ownership of customer-facing, mission-critical initiatives Proven success managing executive-level partner relationships in defense, aerospace, maritime, or national-security environments Deep experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and risk across multi-disciplinary engineering organizations Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, negotiate, and drive alignment at all levels Ability to operate independently as a single point of accountability in fast-moving, ambiguous environments Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings Familiarity with government, classified, export-controlled, or highly regulated contracting environments strongly preferred Location : This position is in Alameda, CA. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always-sunny Alameda. 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. Benefits : Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching. Company sponsored life insurance Stock Options Annual stipend for continued learning and development Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!) Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card The salary range for the role is $150,000-$200,000 annually. Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, and relevant experience, among other factors. 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. LI-Onsite

Keywords: Saildrone, Concord , Program Manager, Strategic Partnership, Engineering , Alameda, California