Program Manager, Mission Training

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.Ensure mission training is ready when the capability is ready. This role drives the planning, coordination, and delivery of training programs supporting new vessel platforms and capabilities as they transition from development to operational deployment.Job OverviewWe’re seeking a Program Manager to lead the development and rollout of Mission Training programs for new and evolving autonomous maritime platforms, including medium and large USVs.In this role, you will own the cradle-to-grave development of training programs for new platforms—coordinating across engineering, product, instructional design, and training teams to ensure operators can be trained, qualified, and deployed in step with system development.You will operate at the center of complex, cross-functional efforts, managing timelines, dependencies, risks, and milestones to ensure training programs are delivered on schedule and aligned with mission requirements.Responsibilities:Program Ownership & DeliveryOwn the cradle-to-grave development of Mission Training programs for new platforms and major capability releasesDevelop and manage integrated program plans spanning curriculum development, training infrastructure, staffing readiness, and multi-site rolloutDrive alignment between platform development timelines and training program availabilityPlanning, Milestones & DependenciesDefine program milestones, deliverables, and success criteria for training readinessIdentify and manage cross-functional dependencies across Engineering, Product, Instructional Design, Mission Training, and OperationsTrack progress against plans and proactively resolve risks, blockers, and schedule conflictsCurriculum & Instructional Design IntegrationPartner closely with the Instructional Design Manager and team to translate platform capabilities and mission requirements into structured training curriculumEnsure alignment between program timelines and curriculum development, validation, and release cyclesSupport prioritization of instructional design efforts based on platform readiness and operational demandValidate that training materials, assessments, and learning objectives support operator qualification and mission performanceTraining Readiness & RolloutEnsure training programs, materials, and environments are ready to support system testing, fielding, and operational useCoordinate rollout of new training programs across multiple sites and locationsPartner with Training Operations to transition programs from development into steady-state deliveryCross-functional CoordinationServe as the central coordination point for training-related efforts tied to new platformsAlign stakeholders across engineering, autonomy, maritime operations, instructional design, and training teamsFacilitate communication, decision-making, and escalation across program stakeholdersOperational IntegrationIncorporate inputs from sea trials, testing, and early deployments into training program developmentEnsure training reflects real-world operational requirements, mission profiles, and system capabilitiesSupport development of training scenarios aligned with expected operational useRisk Management, Data & ReportingEstablish and lead program-level risk management processes, identifying schedule, scope, and readiness risks early and driving mitigation strategiesLead a team of analysts responsible for data capture, analysis, and reporting across training programsDevelop and maintain dashboards and reporting frameworks to track program health, readiness status, and key milestonesProvide clear, data-driven updates to leadership on program progress, risks, dependencies, and performance trendsUse quantitative and qualitative insights to inform decision-making and improve program outcomesRole RequirementsDemonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional programs in dynamic, fast-paced environmentsAbility to manage multiple concurrent programs across different platforms, timelines, and stakeholdersStrong organizational discipline with a bias toward structured planning, milestone tracking, and accountabilityExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to align technical, operational, and leadership stakeholdersProven ability to identify risks early, drive mitigation strategies, and maintain program momentum under uncertaintyStrong analytical mindset, with the ability to leverage data and reporting to inform decisions and communicate program statusDemonstrated leadership capability, including experience guiding teams, influencing without authority, and developing junior personnel (e.g., analysts or PMO staff)Ability to translate complex technical systems and operational concepts into clear program plans and training requirementsComfort operating in field environments and engaging directly with training teams, engineers, and operatorsAbility to operate effectively in environments where requirements and timelines evolve rapidlyWillingness to travel up to 40–50% to support training sites, sea trials, and program activitiesRequired Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field8+ years of experience in program management, operations, or technical project leadershipProven experience managing complex, cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholdersStrong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and timelinesExperience driving programs from concept through delivery in fast-paced environmentsExperience leading or managing analysts, PMO functions, or data/reporting efforts preferredExcellent communication skills, including experience briefing senior leadershipPreferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., MBA, Data Analytics, Operations Research/Analysis, or a closely related discipline)Experience in defense, maritime, autonomy, or other high-consequence operational environmentsFamiliarity with platform development lifecycles, testing, and deployment processesExperience supporting training programs, workforce readiness, or operational rollout effortsUnderstanding of maritime operations, vessel systems, or mission planning conceptsPhysical Demands:Primarily office-based with regular travel to training sites, shipyards, and operational environmentsAbility to support field activities, including observing training, testing, and deployment eventsWill be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periodsAbility to perform physically demanding work i.e. stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time including up to 12 hours/dayWear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hat and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelinesBenefits:Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of servicesSaronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependentsDental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision careSaronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependentsTime Off: Generous PTO and HolidaysParental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parentsCompetitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonusesRetirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company matchStock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s successLife and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coveragePet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helplineAdditional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the officeIf 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).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