Hydrography Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 Account Manager, Ocean Mapping to drive business development and manage relationships with US Government agencies, with a particular focus on the US Navy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In this role, you will lead day-to-day engagement with key government stakeholders-anticipating forthcoming opportunities, understanding evolving USG mapping requirements, lead bid-development for prospective work, and position the company for continued capture and follow-on work. Working closely with our internal hydrography experts and mission operations teams, you will maintain awareness of bathymetry operations and execution of complex task orders. This is a highly strategic, relationship-driven role perfect for an account management professional who thrives at the intersection of government acquisitions, maritime operations, and emerging autonomous technology.
THE TEAM
Saildrone's Business Development team identifies and secures new opportunities for our hydrographic, meteorological, oceanographic, and maritime intelligence solutions. Partnering with government and commercial sectors, we provide the world's most capable unmanned surface vehicles.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the main primary contact for key U.S. government mapping clients, including NOAA and the Navy; manage ongoing relationships to promote customer retention.
• Proactively track and anticipate forthcoming call orders, task instructions, and long-term USG requirements to ensure Saildrone is positioned to be competitive.
• Lead account expansion and capture efforts, positioning the company for continued success on recompetes, follow-on contracts, and new task orders within the government mapping ecosystem.
• Partner with Saildrone's internal hydrographic surveyors, project managers, and product teams to scope government requirements, ensuring accurate pricing, operational feasibility, and timely data delivery.
• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date sales pipeline and customer relationship management (CRM) database to track USG opportunities, budget cycles, and forecast revenue.
• Navigate federal acquisition processes and coordinate with the contracts team to manage proposal generation, contract modifications, and reporting requirements.
• Represent Saildrone at government-focused industry conferences, regional trade shows, and agency networking events to build brand awareness and strengthen key relationships.
• Gather and report on agency feedback, federal budget trends, and competitor activities to assist leadership in refining USG sales strategies and product offerings.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience in account management, technical sales, business development, or program management within the government contracting, marine survey, or geospatial industries.
• Solid understanding of USG mapping operations and the hydrography market, with specific knowledge of the data needs and acquisition cycles of the US Navy and NOAA.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-year government relationships, anticipate agency needs, and position a company for continued capture and account growth.
• Strong foundational knowledge of marine survey technologies, such as multibeam echosounders (MBES) and autonomous unmanned maritime systems (USVs/AUVs).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling government proposals and deliver engaging presentations to senior military and civilian leaders.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hydrography, Oceanography, Marine Science, Geomatics, or a related discipline.
• An active professional network within NAVO, NOAA, or the broader USG oceanographic community.
• Familiarity with USG contracting vehicles, FAR/DFARS, OTA's and the federal procurement process is highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance (Secret or higher) is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is primarily performed on a computer and requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to client sites, deployment hubs, and industry events.

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.
Salary Range
$150,000-$180,000 USD
To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.
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.