Vice President of Programs, Saronic
+ Stock Options
Unmanned vehicles for maritime security
Be an early applicant
Unmanned vehicles for maritime security
21-100 employees
Be an early applicant
+ Stock Options
21-100 employees
Company mission
To redefine maritime superiority.
Role
Who you are
- This is a senior leadership role that requires deep expertise in both program management and the defense technology industry, with a particular emphasis on unmanned systems
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in the defense technology or unmanned systems sectors
- Proven track record of managing large, complex programs with a focus on unmanned maritime systems, autonomous vehicles, or related technologies
- Experience managing programs for government defense agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) and/or defense contractors
- Expertise in government contracting processes, including acquisition cycles, budgeting, and compliance
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- PMP (Project Management Professional) or similar certification is highly desirable (RMP is a big plus)
- Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate diverse, cross-functional teams
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders
- In-depth knowledge of unmanned systems, autonomous vehicles, and defense industry operations
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Proficiency with program management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheets, etc.)
What the job involves
- We are looking for a Program Management Leader with expertise in defense technology and unmanned systems to oversee complex, multi-phase programs and deliver world-class solutions to our customers
- The VP of Programs will be responsible for overseeing the successful execution of multiple unmanned maritime programs, from concept through fielding and sustainment
- You will manage cross-functional teams, collaborate with key stakeholders, and ensure that all programs are delivered on-time, within scope, and on-budget
- Lead the management of multiple maritime autonomy programs, ensuring alignment with company strategy and defense industry needs
- Oversee the full program lifecycle, including planning, design, development, testing, and deployment of unmanned maritime solutions
- Ensure that all program objectives, schedules, and budgets are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance
- Develop and maintain detailed program plans, timelines, and budgets, and track key milestones and deliverables
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, R&D, production, and operations to achieve program goals
- Provide guidance and mentorship to program managers and teams, ensuring collaboration and clear communication
- Facilitate regular program reviews and status meetings to assess progress, address risks, and ensure alignment
- Serve as the primary point of contact for government customers, contractors, and internal stakeholders regarding program status, risks, and opportunities
- Develop and present clear, concise program reports to senior leadership and external stakeholders
- Ensure effective communication with military and defense agencies, providing updates on program milestones, challenges, and successes
- Identify program risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies to address potential issues
- Address program challenges and roadblocks swiftly, working with internal and external stakeholders to resolve them in a timely manner
- Ensure that programs adhere to safety, compliance, and regulatory standards
- Manage program budgets and resources efficiently to ensure the optimal allocation of assets and timely delivery of outcomes
- Monitor financial performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure cost control measures are implemented across all programs
- Ensure that contracts and financial agreements are executed and adhered to, including government contracts and other external partnerships
- Drive innovation by keeping abreast of emerging trends and technologies in unmanned systems and defense technologies
- Advocate for continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and improve program performance
- Encourage and lead the integration of new technologies and methodologies into program workflows
Our take
Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are vehicles which operate at the surface of the water without a crew and can be used in oceanography and environmental monitoring, as well as for cargo transport or military applications. Saronic is a company developing USVs to have enhanced awareness and improved survivability, to be employed in maritime security.
Saronic's vehicles are designed to be smarter than previous models, with capabilities including adaptive path planning, multichannel communication, and the ability to better identify and track targets through a combination of passive sensors and advanced algorithms. The company has raised significant funding that will be used to accelerate R&D as it expands manufacturing capacity in anticipation of demand for rapid production in the future.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Company
Funding (last 2 of 3 rounds)
Feb 2025
$600m
SERIES C
Jul 2024
$175m
SERIES B
Total funding: $830m
Company HQ
South Manchaca, Austin, TX
Articles
Leadership
Dino Mavrookas
(Co-Founder & CEO)Board Member of the Navy SEAL Foundation, and former Entrepreneur In Residence at 8VC. Spent 11 years as a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy, from 2004 to 2015.
Rob Lehman
(Co-Founder & CCO)Founder of 9 Line Solutions, who is also a Communications Officer in the US Marine Corps. Previously the Chair and CEO of Temeku Technologies.
Vibhav Altekar
(Co-Founder)Former Advisor and Angel Investor for Standard Metrics and Chef Robotics. Spent 4 years working in Machine Learning at Anduril Industries.
Doug Lambert
(Co-Founder)Former VP of Engineering at Terradepth. Before that, worked at Liquid Robotics for a total 8 years, ultimately as Head of Engineering.
Salary benchmarks
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