Deputy Program Manager, Engineering Services

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. JOB OVERVIEW Saronic Technologies is seeking a Deputy Program Manager to lead the execution of small Unmanned Surface Vessel (sUSV) Mission Package Integration activities. This is an in-person role supporting activities at customer sites and Saronic's facilities in the Virginia Beach area. This role works across engineering, vessel operations, and customer teams to manage the integration, testing, and fielding of payload systems that expand the capability of Saronic's sUSV platforms. The Deputy Program Manager owns execution of the sUSV integrations end to end, including budgets, schedules, and statements of work, and serves as the key communications link between Saronic's cross-functional teams, end-users, and government and commercial customers. This role also carries technical ownership and oversight of mission package configuration and readiness including platform software and capability development. From design reviews and field demonstrations through validated, deployment-ready systems. It requires hands-on coordination of on-water testing and demonstration events, disciplined risk and issue management, and the judgment to keep mission package programs on track from concept through fielded capability. RESPONSIBILITIES Program Management - Own program budgets, schedules, and statements of work, and control performance to customer and internal objectives. - Report program health across scope, budget, schedule, technical objectives, and customer satisfaction to leadership and customers. - Manage customer purchase requests from quote through delivery, acceptance, and invoicing, including supplier coordination, logistics, and the associated contract actions. - Manage and track supporting logistics for customer events and integration activities, including customer acceptance. Integrations & On-Water Testing - Lead payload and mission package integration with Engineering and vessel operations teams, from design through on-water testing and fielding. - Plan and run on-water tests, exercises, and demonstration events. - Own mission package configuration across builds and variants, ensuring configurations are validated and approved before deployment. - Support configuration management activities of payloads and mission packages across builds and variants, ensuring traceability from design to delivery. - Provide technical support for fielded systems and manage service campaigns, including maintenance, retrofits, and sustainment. - Manage execution of product service campaigns, including maintenance, retrofits, and other sustainment activities. - Travel domestically and internationally, up to 50%, to support field operations, exercises, and customer engagements; primarily to Saronic facilities and government facilities in the DC area, with secondary travel to Austin TX, San Diego CA, and other CONUS locations. Cross-Functional & Customer Coordination - Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and end-users, coordinating across Saronic's cross-functional teams. - Identify, mitigate, and remove risks and blockers to program execution. - Deliver kick-off briefs, status reports, and after action reports. Business Development Support - Support new business with win themes and technical approaches, working with Product Engineering and Growth. - Turn customer feedback and field lessons learned into actionable improvements for Product development and Engineering teams. QUALIFICATIONS Basic Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems, Business, or a related field. - 5+ years of experience in program management, systems integration, or technical product delivery, ideally within maritime, defense, or unmanned systems programs. - Demonstrated ownership of program budget, schedule, scope, statements of work, and customer relationships. - Experience coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, and customer-facing functions. - Excellent written and verbal communication with technical teams, end-users, and government customers. - Working knowledge of small vessel Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (H&ME) structures and systems. - Working knowledge of networking, cybersecurity, and software architecture sufficient to explain how remotely operated systems work to internal and customer teams. - Willingness and ability to participate in on-water testing and field exercise events. - Experience managing risk, configuration, and readiness for complex technical maritime systems. Preferred Qualifications - Experience with unmanned surface vessels (USV/sUSV), unmanned maritime systems, or payload/mission package integration. - Familiarity with DoD or other government acquisition processes, program execution, and contract deliverables. - PMP certification or equivalent program/project management training. Key Competencies - Ability to translate technical engineering work into clear program schedules, budgets, and deliverables. - Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and driving issues to resolution. - Can connect component-level design decisions to overall system and mission performance. PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages) 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 100% of the premium under the basic plan 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 with company match 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 Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf If this role is based in the United States, it 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) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. 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. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.