Program Manager - DoD R&D Programs
23 days ago
Washington
Job DescriptionSaronic 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, • 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.