Technical Program Manager

Technical Program Manager

Coordinate technical execution and field deployment of autonomous maritime vessels

Location: Washington DC

Job Tags: Product

About The Role

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 seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead the technical execution, integration, and fleet readiness of Saronic's Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) programs.

The TPM serves as the technical bridge between Saronic's internal engineering and product teams and its external customers, ensuring what we build aligns with what is delivered and operated in the field. This role combines systems‑level understanding with programmatic discipline, driving technical performance, risk management, and integration readiness across customer programs.

This role demands direct, face‑to‑face engagement with customers to elicit and clarify requirements, capture operational context, and translate those needs into actionable technical plans. The TPM partners closely with the Program Manager (who owns customer contracts and reporting) and a Fleet Integration & Services Specialist, who executes field‑level integration and operational support. Together, they ensure that Saronic systems are safe, reliable, and mission‑ready.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end technical execution for assigned ASV programs, from design through field deployment.
• Translate customer and program requirements into actionable engineering deliverables and testable configurations.
• Maintain technical baselines across multiple builds or variants, ensuring traceability from design to delivery.
• Drive technical risk identification, mitigation, and resolution with cross‑functional teams.
• Contribute to Engineering Change Boards (ECB) and other technical working groups at Saronic
• Plan and oversee integration, testing, and on‑water operations in coordination with Product, Engineering, and Production.
• Work closely with the Fleet Integration & Services Specialists to ensure consistent, safe, and well‑documented field execution.
• Ensure technical configurations are validated and approved before production and deployment.
• Capture and communicate lessons learned from test events and field operations into future iterations.
• Partner with Product teams to align technical execution with product roadmaps and capability development.
• Coordinate with Engineering to ensure scope, design intent, and technical priorities are aligned with program goals.
• Interface with Production and Quality to ensure build configurations and acceptance criteria meet customer expectations.
• Support Program Managers with technical inputs for customer meetings, reporting, and deliverables.
• Maintain visibility into technical, operational, and programmatic risks across assigned programs.
• Lead risk review meetings and maintain mitigation plans in collaboration with Program, Product, and Engineering leadership.
• Enforce disciplined configuration management for vessels, payloads, and software versions.
• Oversee technical documentation, ensuring completeness, traceability, and readiness for audits or delivery.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for customer and partner engagements, bridging operational needs with product capability.
• Participate in design reviews, field demos, and technical exchanges with customer stakeholders.
• Deliver concise technical updates and after‑action reports to leadership and customer audiences.
• Translate real‑world customer feedback into actionable improvements for Product and Engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in technical program management, systems integration, or defense‑related development programs.
• Demonstrated success leading cross‑functional technical teams through the design, build, and integration lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, and autonomy integration principles.
• Proven experience managing risk, configuration, and readiness for complex technical maritime systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface confidently with technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience managing or integrating unmanned defense, maritime, or robotic systems.
• Familiarity with naval readiness systems and logistics management systems.
• Experience building or supporting sustainment and training infrastructures for new technologies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment with a strong growth mandate.
• Can connect component‑level design decisions to overall system and mission performance.
• Can translate complex technical data into clear, actionable information for stakeholders.
• Leadership of high‑performing distributed technical teams.
• Ability to balance execution excellence with growth, team‑building, and organizational scaling.
• Established track record of clear, consistent, and correct communications with peers, leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Comfort guiding customers through ambiguous or evolving requirements and shaping actionable solutions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Generous PTO and Holidays
• Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Industry‑standard salaries with opportunities for performance‑based bonuses
• 401(k) plan
• Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
• Basic life insurance and short‑and‑long‑term disability coverage
• Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.
• Occasional standing and walking within the office.
• Manual dexterity to operate computers and office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read screens and documents.
• Occasional reaching or lifting up to 20 pounds (e.g., equipment or supplies).

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.