Program Manager, DoD R&D Programs at Saronic

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

DefenseIndustries

Requirements

Fluent in technical and programmatic demands of government-sponsored work
Experience managing iterative design-build-test cycles
Ability to drive technical teams toward risk retirement and commercialization pathways
Experience with DoD R&D programs focused on autonomy, sensing, and next-generation defense systems
Familiarity with managing highly complex, multi-disciplinary R&D efforts
Knowledge of systems engineering processes, including CONOPS, requirements deconstruction, traceability, and RVTM
Experience developing and managing project plans, schedules, budgets, IMP/IMS
Expertise in risk reduction cycles across sensing, autonomy, platforms, and effectors
Oversight of resilient software and hardware systems integration with government interfaces and standards
Experience with technical demonstrations, lab/field testing, and integration with external performers
Knowledge of compliance with security, classified materials handling, and OPSEC requirements
Experience managing programs via Commercial Solutions Openings, Other Transactional Authorities, and FAR-based contracts

Responsibilities

Lead DoD R&D programs from award through design, prototyping, demonstration, and commercialization/transition
Translate DoD objectives and execute against awarded proposal, Statement of Work, and contract deliverables, aligning with company capabilities and national defense priorities
Guide teams in addressing ambiguous or evolving requirements, shaping executable solutions in high-risk/high-reward environments
Ensure disciplined application of systems engineering processes, including development of CONOPS, requirements deconstruction, traceability, and RVTM
Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, and IMP/IMS
Drive iterative design and risk reduction cycles across sensing, autonomy, platforms, and effectors
Oversee development of resilient software and hardware systems, ensuring integration with government-defined interfaces and standards
Support technical demonstrations, lab and field testing, and integration with external performers
Manage compliance with security, classified materials handling, and OPSEC requirements
Leverage experience managing programs fielded through Commercial Solutions Openings, Other Transactional Authorities, and traditional FAR-based contracts
Serve as primary interface with DoD PMs, technical monitors, and transition stakeholders
Participate in government-led working groups and Integrated Product Teams to align on interfaces, architectures, and commercialization frameworks
Manage subcontractors, suppliers, and academic partners to ensure programmatic and technical performance
Develop and maintain program risk registers; proactively mitigate technical and programmatic risks
Balance allocation of resources across engineering, research, finance, and operations
Ensure program schedules and budgets reflect technical rigor and iterative testing demanded by DoD programs
Provide detailed financial reporting and variance analysis to adhere to cost, schedule, and technical baselines under FFP constraints
Maintain transparency on budget execution, risk burn-down, and deliverable completion to prevent scope drift
Deliver regular reports, PMRs, QPRs, CDRLs, and stakeholder briefings to DoD and senior leadership
Provide transparent updates on program progress, risks, and mitigation strategies
Define and track key technical performance metrics aligned with DoD evaluation criteria (e.g., resilience, mission success rates, risk retirement)
Partner with commercialization experts and internal BD teams to ensure transition strategies are embedded

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Program ManagementSystems EngineeringCONOPSRequirements Traceability MatrixIMP/IMSRisk ManagementDoD ContractsBudget ManagementSchedule ManagementAutonomy SystemsSensing Technologies

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the employment type for this Program Manager role?

This is a full-time position.

What salary or compensation is offered for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are required for the Program Manager role?

The role requires fluency in technical and programmatic demands of government-sponsored work, expertise in systems engineering processes including CONOPS and RVTM, experience managing DoD R&D programs with iterative design-build-test cycles, and skills in risk management, stakeholder engagement, and contract compliance.

What does the company culture or work environment look like at Saronic?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Program Manager position?

Strong candidates have experience leading DoD R&D programs from award through commercialization, managing complex multi-disciplinary teams, interfacing with government stakeholders, and handling FAR-based contracts and Other Transactional Authorities.

Saronic

Develops advanced autonomous surface vessels

About Saronic

Saronic Technologies develops Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) that enhance the capabilities of naval and maritime forces. These vessels utilize adaptive path planning, passive sensors, and advanced algorithms, along with edge computing, to effectively identify and track targets. They are designed to operate in challenging environments, using resilient multichannel communications to support both manned and unmanned operations. Saronic Technologies differentiates itself by focusing on military and defense clients, aiming to improve situational awareness, extend operational reach, and enhance survivability during maritime missions. The company's goal is to provide solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing operational strategies or support new maritime tactics, generating revenue through the sale of ASVs and related customization services.

Austin, TexasHeadquarters

2022Year Founded

$223.7MTotal Funding

SERIES_BCompany Stage

DefenseIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Risks

Increased competition from other defense tech startups threatens Saronic's market share.

Rapid AI advancements may require costly updates to maintain competitive ASV systems.

Geopolitical tensions could hinder international collaborations and foreign government sales.

Differentiation

Saronic integrates AI, hardware, and software into scalable, fully integrated maritime platforms.

Their ASVs feature adaptive path planning and advanced algorithms for effective target tracking.

Saronic's multichannel communications enable seamless manned-unmanned teaming in contested environments.

Upsides

Raised $175M in Series B funding, reaching a $1 billion valuation in 2024.

Growing demand for autonomous vessels in defense and commercial sectors boosts market potential.

AI integration in ASVs enhances decision-making and operational efficiency for maritime missions.

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