Program Manager, Dod R&D Programs

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.

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

• 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.

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).
• 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.
• 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