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Usv Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Saildrone

USV Pilot

Alameda, CA · On-site

$43.36 - $56.34/hr

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 ...

Seasats

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Typical working hours: Rotating shift coverage across 24/7 operations, including: * 3:00 AM - 11:00 AM * 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM * 7 ...

Seasats

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Typical working hours: Rotating shift coverage across 24/7 operations, including: * 3:00 AM - 11:00 AM * 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM * 7 ...

Seasats

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Pilot Location: San Diego, CA (in-office) Typical working hours: Rotating shift coverage across 24/7 operations, including: * 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM * 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM * 4 ...

Leidos

Chief Engineer Limited Tonnage O/MUSV

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Duties include primary responsibility for the USV propulsion system in port and underway, in addition to preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of navy watercraft, and pre/post mission craft ...

Leidos

Chief Engineer Limited Tonnage O/MUSV

Oxnard, CA

$107K - $195K/yr

Duties include primary responsibility for the USV propulsion system in port and underway, in addition to preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of navy watercraft, and pre/post mission craft ...

Leidos

Chief Engineer Limited Tonnage O/MUSV

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Report to USV Master and Port Captain for pier side and afloat USV operations. * Take responsibility for first-line maintenance and repairs of USV propulsion system. Perform/ supervise scheduled and ...

Leidos

Mate Oceans 500 Tons or greater O/MUSV

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

The Mate will travel and work onboard the USV at sea and in port, operating and maintaining the USV and support vessels. Duties include standing up to 12 hour watches, supervising the loading and ...

SAIC

Principal Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

This program seeks to advance unmanned autonomous USV war fighting capabilities while participating in high-visibility operations such as RIMPAC and Integrated Battle Problems. The MDUSV program is a ...

SAIC

Principal Test Engineer

San Diego, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

This program seeks to advance unmanned autonomous USV war fighting capabilities while participating in high-visibility operations such as RIMPAC and Integrated Battle Problems. The MDUSV program is a ...

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How much do usv jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for usv in California is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USV?

USVs, or Unmanned Surface Vehicles, are watercraft that operate on the surface of the water without a crew onboard. They can be remotely controlled or operate autonomously using onboard systems. USVs are used in a variety of applications, including marine research, environmental monitoring, naval operations, and offshore industry support. Their ability to perform missions without risking human life makes them valuable for tasks in hazardous or difficult-to-access areas. Technology advancements have expanded their use in both commercial and military fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USV operator?

To thrive as a USV Operator, you need a strong understanding of marine navigation, robotics, and remote vehicle operations, usually supported by relevant technical education or maritime certifications. Familiarity with USV control systems, GPS navigation software, and communication equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation of unmanned vessels in complex marine environments.

What are some common challenges faced by U.S. visa officers during the visa adjudication process?

U.S. visa officers often encounter challenges such as handling high application volumes, ensuring thorough and fair evaluations under tight time constraints, and navigating complex or ambiguous cases that require in-depth knowledge of immigration law and policy. They also must maintain professionalism and empathy while often delivering difficult decisions to applicants. Additionally, USVs work within a team structure and collaborate closely with local staff and consular management to ensure consistency and security in the visa issuance process.

What is the difference between Usv vs Drone Operator?

AspectUsvDrone Operator
Required CredentialsMaritime certifications, safety trainingFAA drone license, remote pilot certification
Work EnvironmentWatercraft, maritime settingsAirspace, outdoor or indoor locations
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, researchAerial photography, surveillance, inspection

Usv (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) operators typically work in maritime environments, focusing on water-based tasks, while drone operators handle aerial operations in various outdoor settings. Both roles require specialized certifications and are used across different industries, but they share similarities in remote operation skills and safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Usv jobs in California?

For Usv jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Usv jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Usv jobs in California are:

Usv jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usv job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,176 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

USV Pilot

Saildrone

Alameda, CA • On-site

$43.36 - $56.34/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

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 USV Pilot to join our Mission Control team. Reporting directly to the Pilot Team Manager, you will play a critical role in safely navigating and monitoring Saildrone's autonomous surface vehicles (USVs) around the globe. This is a Part-Time, Non-Exempt role designed for experienced mariners who can maintain situational awareness under dynamic conditions and ensure mission success.
THE TEAM
The Mission Control team is responsible for operating and overseeing Saildrone's fleet 24/7/365. We focus on real-time vehicle monitoring, safe navigation, and mission execution to deliver high-quality data for ocean science, environmental monitoring, and defense applications. Your work ensures vehicles operate safely, efficiently, and predictably in the world's oceans.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform remote piloting and monitoring of Saildrone USVs to achieve 24/7 mission execution while meeting strict navigational safety and vehicle health standards.
  • Be accountable for passage planning and route efficiency, including the safe navigation of shipping lanes and ship traffic while maintaining reasonable Closest Point of Approach (CPA).
  • Work closely with Technical Operations and Fleet Service teams to align on vehicle status and ensure successful delivery of high-quality data for ocean science and defense applications.
  • Carry out day-to-day work using the Saildrone Mission Portal and internal communication lines in accordance with maritime weather systems and current assessment standards.
  • Monitor for vehicle navigational anomalies or payload status issues, take action to resolve or mitigate via remote systems, and escalate when system health thresholds are exceeded.
  • Adhere to established mission logs and passdown procedures, documenting all milestones and issues during your watch to ensure seamless 24/7/365 operational continuity.
  • Provide timely updates and real-time communication to the Mission Control Lead and forward-deployed teams to support successful vehicle deployments and recoveries.
  • Meet watch commitments within a rotating 4-day-on/4-day-off cycle, managing assigned priorities across weekend and odd-hour shifts.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years of maritime command experience, including advanced proficiency in sailing theory and a proven background in ocean crossings.
  • Sailing-specific resume (required in addition to a professional resume) detailing relevant sea time and vessel command.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in digital monitoring tools and computer systems required to manage complex autonomous vehicle fleets remotely.
  • Proven ability to analyze maritime weather forecasts and interpret ocean currents to make critical navigational decisions under time pressure.
  • Ability to clearly communicate real-time operational status and technical anomalies to both internal stakeholders and external customers.
  • Ability to work in a hybrid/remote environment, specifically adhering to a 4-day-on/4-day-off rotation including 8-hour shifts, weekends, and core hours (07:00 to 16:00 EST).
  • Working knowledge of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and standard maritime safety protocols.
  • Willingness to travel to represent Saildrone at conferences and engage with customers or data specialists as required.

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
$43.36-$56.34 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.

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