Senior Material Handler – Shipping & Fulfillment
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 an experienced Senior Material Handler to execute daily warehouse, shipping, and material fulfillment operations at our headquarters in Alameda, CA. In this hands-on operational role, you will be responsible for picking, packing, palletizing, and shipping critical parts, assemblies, and supplies to keep our global fleet mission-ready.
The ideal candidate brings practical shipping and warehouse experience, a strong safety mindset, and proficiency operating forklifts and parcel shipping software (FedEx, UPS, DHL). You will follow established standard operating procedures, prepare outbound shipments and documentation, manage inventory staging, and independently troubleshoot day-to-day warehouse discrepancies in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
THE TEAM
The Fleet Operations and Logistics team provides on-site support for assembly and service workflows across the Saildrone vehicle fleet to ensure all assets are fully mission-capable and optimized for operational uptime. The team works directly on the production floor and warehouse staging areas, bridging hardware assembly with field readiness to deliver resilient systems that support national security, maritime intelligence, and ocean exploration missions.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Execute hands-on pick, pack, and ship workflows for components, assemblies, tooling, and mission-critical spares.
- Process outbound domestic and international shipments utilizing parcel platforms (FedEx Ship Manager, UPS WorldShip, DHL Express) as well as standard LTL freight carriers.
- Safely operate sit-down and/or stand-up forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks to load, unload, transfer, and stage heavy materials and shipping crates.
- Build, band, shrink-wrap, weigh, and label pallets and wooden crates to ensure secure, damage-free transport complying with carrier safety standards.
- Generate, verify, and match shipping documentation, including packing slips, commercial invoices, and bills of lading (BOLs).
- Receive, inspect, and verify inbound freight and parcel deliveries against purchase orders; stage items for incoming inspection or route directly to production lines.
- Maintain warehouse organization, parts staging areas, and inventory accuracy by performing routine cycle counts and ERP transactions (NetSuite).
- Identify and independently resolve routine-to-moderately complex shipping discrepancies, packaging constraints, and courier scheduling delays.
- Adhere strictly to warehouse 5S standards, equipment inspection checklists, and environmental health & safety (EHS) guidelines.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of hands-on warehouse, shipping/receiving, or material handling experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial setting.
- Active Forklift Certification (or ability to successfully complete internal recertification upon hire); proven track record of safe material handling equipment operation.
- Demonstrated proficiency using carrier shipping portals (FedEx, UPS, DHL) and handling domestic/international shipping paperwork (commercial invoices, packing lists).
- Working knowledge of ERP/WMS systems (NetSuite or comparable) for issuing parts, inventory receipts, and location transfers.
- Practical experience building pallets, crating hardware, and packaging sensitive electro-mechanical components.
- Ability to work effectively from standard operating procedures (SOPs) while exercising sound judgment to solve daily shipping bottlenecks.
- Strong communication skills and cross-functional teamwork across warehouse, manufacturing, and procurement teams.
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent practical experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to regularly lift, push, pull, and carry items up to 50 lbs. Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, reach, and bend for extended periods throughout an 8- to 10-hour shift.
- Equipment Operation & Dexterity: High manual dexterity to safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, power hand tools, banding equipment, and packaging machines.
- Environmental Adaptability: Comfortable working in an active warehouse, production floor, and outdoor yard environment subject to ambient weather conditions, dust, and industrial noise.
- Safety & PPE: Strict compliance with required personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toe safety shoes, eye protection, high-visibility gear, and hearing protection as required.
- Work Schedule: Flexibility to work occasional overtime or adjusted shifts when urgent shipments or critical vessel movements require immediate fulfillment.
The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.
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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.