Program Manager, DoD R&D Programs

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

Saronic Technologies is revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea. We are seeking a Program Manager to lead cutting-edge advanced DoD research programs focused on autonomy, sensing, and next-generation defense systems. This leader will be responsible for ensuring cost, schedule, technical performance, and transition outcomes across highly complex, multi-disciplinary R&D efforts.

The Program Manager must be fluent in both the technical and programmatic demands of government-sponsored work managing iterative design-build-test cycles, driving technical teams toward risk retirement, and advancing commercialization pathways. They will serve as the primary interface with Government R&D program managers, technical monitors, and transition partners.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership
• 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.

• Planning & Execution
• 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.

• Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
• 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.

• Risk & Resource Management
• 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.

• Reporting & Communication
• 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).

• Firm-Building & Transition Support
• 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.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications
• 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 Qualifications
• 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.

• Key Competencies
• Ability to operate effectively in DoD’s iterative, high-risk/high-payoff environment.
• Strong technical fluency to challenge and guide engineering teams.
• Executive-level communication across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Skilled in balancing technical innovation with disciplined program management.
• Proven ability to drive transition strategies from research to operational use.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• 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

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.