Global People Operations Partner

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, an established European entity supporting regional business development, sales, and operations, and a deployment hub in 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 Staff Global People Ops Partner to join our People Operations team. Reporting directly to the Director, People Ops & Total Rewards, you will play a critical role in integrating newly established international entities with HQ systems and spearheading the People Operations buildout for emerging regions worldwide. We are looking for a global compliance expert who can act as the crucial bridge between our external Employer of Record (EOR) partners and our internal Recruiting and Operations teams, ensuring strict adherence to international employment laws, US export controls, and regional mandates. THE TEAM The People Operations team is responsible for driving the people strategy that enables Saildrone to scale globally. We are focused on establishing scalable, culturally integrated, and legally compliant international employment frameworks to support the rapid deployment of our autonomous platforms, operating in a complex maritime and defense environment. THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the People Operations strategy for emerging markets across various global regions, driving local recruitment frameworks, culturally and legally compliant benefits packages, and strict adherence to regional labor laws.
• Serve as the bridge between international entities and Alameda HQ, standardizing HRIS, payroll, and performance management systems while designing robust onboarding and training programs that weave global employees into the core Saildrone culture.
• Act as the primary compliance authority for all hiring executed through Employer of Record (EOR) partners, ensuring all contracts correctly classify workers and adhere to local labor laws to mitigate misclassification risks.
• Partner closely with the Recruiting team to seamlessly integrate EOR solutions into the talent acquisition process, advising recruiters on legal and compliance requirements for specific regions prior to extending offers.
• Oversee the compliance framework for transitioning international independent contractors to EOR employees where local regulations require it, ensuring all liability and insurance requirements are met.
• Own the end-to-end immigration lifecycle for global transfers and localized hires, partnering with external counsel to expedite work visas in high-stakes regions. ● Partner with Legal to build robust screening processes for international applicants and EOR hires, ensuring strict compliance with U.S. export controls (ITAR/EAR) regarding technology access for foreign nationals.
• Partner with consultants to navigate employing seafarers operating in international waters, ensure alignment with international maritime labor conventions and regional maritime law, and manage specialized expatriate and maritime medical plans.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Global People Operations, Global Mobility, or International HR Compliance within a rapidly scaling hardware, defense, or maritime technology company.
• Deep expertise in the legal and compliance structures of Employer of Record platforms, with a strong ability to partner with Recruiting to execute international hires safely and legally.
• Proven track record of executing HR operations and establishing new entities in diverse international markets, with specific knowledge of regional work authorizations and labor laws.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate international subsidiaries into U.S.-headquartered ecosystems, focusing on both system architecture (HRIS/payroll) and cultural alignment (onboarding/training).
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) as they pertain to global hiring and technology transfer.
• Experience managing employment frameworks for maritime personnel, offshore workers, or commercial seafarers is highly preferred.
• Exceptional cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory constraints into actionable business strategies for hiring managers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work 5 days per week in office at Alameda headquarters.
• Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally 10-25% of the time.

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 $165,000—$210,000 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.