Mission Success Program Manager

Overland AI•Seattle, WA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success. Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors, including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations. We’re looking for an ambitious problem-solver who thrives in challenging environments and has a passion for delivering advanced autonomy systems in the field. As a Mission Success Operations Manager, you will be a core member of our team, managing the technical delivery of our ground autonomy systems in remote and austere locations. In this role, you’ll work directly alongside end-users of our systems, iterating rapidly on solutions that push the boundaries of ground robotics. You will coordinate the logistics, deployment, and sustainment of our equipment in the field, engaging deeply with hardware, robotics, and agile software development practices. You will act as the connective tissue between customers, field teams, and internal stakeholders, ensuring programs execute smoothly and that lessons learned in the field directly shape future capability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline preferred, or equivalent practical experience
Ability to obtain a US government security clearance
4+ years of experience as a program manager, operations manager, or equivalent role
Demonstrated experience leading programs, operations, or complex initiatives in technical or operational environments
Experience fielding software or hardware products to real operating environments in deep-tech, defense, or high-growth start-up domains
Effective communicator with demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally
Strong understanding of software development lifecycles
Demonstrated ability to deliver successful outcomes on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced operating environment
Willingness to operate in ambiguous environment(s) and take action to solve challenging problems

Nice To Haves

Experience working with ground autonomy systems
Prior US military experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end execution of deployments for Overland AI’s ground autonomy systems, ensuring technical and operational success in challenging environments
Serve as Overland AI’s primary on-site representative during field operations, building trust and credibility with end users
Identify, prioritize, and resolve issues that impact mission execution, often in time-sensitive, resource-constrained situations
Work side by side with operators and stakeholders to understand real-world needs, constraints, and mission objectives
Capture and translate user feedback, operational challenges, and field observations into clear requirements and actionable inputs for internal teams
Influence the product roadmap by acting as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring user needs meaningfully influence hardware, autonomy, and operational priorities
Establish and maintain clear program structure, including goals, milestones, risks, and dependencies
Coordinate logistics, deployment planning, and sustainment activities, ensuring equipment, personnel, and resources are ready in the right place at the right time
Drive clear communication across customers, leadership, and internal teams before, during, and after deployments
Support follow-on contract efforts by identifying opportunities to expand scope, improve offerings, and demonstrate mission value
Create and maintain program documentation including charters, execution plans, deployment guides, and field support processes
Capture lessons learned from deployments and ensure they are fed back into product, operations, and program improvements
Help mature Overland AI’s mission success and field operations practices as the company scales