Automated Ply Cutter Operator - Composites

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.

Saildrone is seeking an Automated Ply Cutter Operator / Composites Technician to support the production of our uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). Reporting to our Senior Director of Composite Manufacturing, you will operate automated cutting equipment, prepare precision composite kits, and support CNC machining to enable efficient, high-quality composite fabrication.

We are looking for a detail-oriented, hands-on technician who takes ownership of equipment, material accuracy, and production readiness, with the flexibility to support both cutting operations and composite manufacturing.

The Composites team is responsible for designing, building, and continuously improving Saildrone’s autonomous maritime platforms. We focus on delivering durable, scalable composite structures that enable reliable global operations across defense, security, and commercial missions. Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams, this group ensures that composite components meet demanding operational requirements in harsh maritime environments.

• Set up, calibrate, operate, and perform routine maintenance on Eastman automated ply cutting equipment to meet production requirements.
• Import DXF/CAD files into nesting software and optimize cutting layouts to maximize material yield and minimize scrap.
• Cut, label, organize, and kit carbon fiber, fiberglass, core materials, and dry fabrics according to engineering ply books and orientation requirements.
• Inspect cut plies for dimensional accuracy, fiber alignment, and edge quality before releasing kits to composite fabrication.
• Track material shelf life, freezer inventory, roll usage, and lot numbers to support material traceability and quality control.
• Support composite fabrication processes, including infusion, prepreg layup, vacuum bagging, and debulking, as production needs require.
• Operate CNC routers, as qualified, to trim and drill cured composite parts and produce molds, jigs, and tooling.
• Maintain cutting and machining equipment, tooling, and work areas; troubleshoot routine issues, replace consumables, follow safety procedures, and elevate equipment or quality concerns.

• 2+ years of hands-on experience operating an Eastman automated ply cutter or equivalent cutting table, such as Zünd, Lectra, or Gerber.
• Working knowledge of composite materials, including carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid, prepregs, core materials, and resin systems.
• Basic familiarity with nesting software, such as Eastman Cut Pro, Tru Nest, or Optitex, and the ability to interpret engineering drawings and ply orientation charts.
• Strong attention to detail and organization, including accurate kit labeling, material tracking, and inspection of cut components.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot…