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Saronic Technologies · 1 day ago

Program Manager - DoD R&D Programs

Washington, DC

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

7+ years exp

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. They are seeking a Program Manager to lead advanced DoD research programs focused on autonomy, sensing, and next-generation defense systems, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance across complex R&D efforts.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)ManufacturingMarine TechnologyMilitarySecurity

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead DoD R&D programs from award through design, prototyping, demonstration, and commercialization/transition

Translate DOD objectives and execute against Saronic’s awarded proposal, Statement of Work, and contract deliverables, ensuring alignment 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, and traceability, with a maintained Requirements Verification Traceability Matrix (RVTM) to validate contract deliverables and mission objectives

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 and Other Transactional Authorities, as well as 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 the technical rigor and iterative testing demanded by DoD programs

Provide detailed financial reporting and variance analysis to ensure strict adherence to cost, schedule, and technical baselines under firm-fixed-price (FFP) constraints

Maintain full transparency on budget execution, risk burn-down, and deliverable completion, preventing scope drift common in advanced R&D programs

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 in program execution

Support development of 'technology as a service' business models aligned with DoD’s emphasis on dual-use and commercial pathways

Contribute to proposals and capture activities, ensuring technical credibility and programmatic rigor in submissions

Qualification

DoD R&D program managementTechnical program managementSystems integrationAutonomyAI/MLPMP certificationFAR-based contractsTechnical fluencyExecutive-level communicationRisk managementStakeholder engagement

Required

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical field (Master's or PhD preferred)

7–10+ years of progressive program management experience with DoD R&D, or advanced autonomy programs

Proven success managing multi-disciplinary teams across hardware, software, and systems integration

Familiarity with DoD program processes (BAAs, abstracts, orals, PI meetings, milestones, interface standards)

Experience with OTAs and FAR-based contracts

Active Secret clearance (TS/SCI strongly preferred)

Preferred

Prior direct engagement with DoD R&D PMs and performers

Technical experience in autonomy, AI/ML, advanced sensing, or maritime/defense systems

PMP or DAWIA certification

Experience in startups or high-growth companies delivering to DoD customers

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Company

Saronic Technologies

Saronic is building cutting-edge unmanned surface vehicles that enable maritime security and domain awareness by combining best-in-class hardware, software and artificial intelligence into one scalable, fully integrated platform.

Founded in 2022

Austin, Texas, USA

1001-5000 employees