Program Manager, Mission Training

Saronic Technologies•San Diego, CA

35d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. We’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.

Requirements

Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional programs in dynamic, fast-paced environments
Ability to manage multiple concurrent programs across different platforms, timelines, and stakeholders
Strong organizational discipline with a bias toward structured planning, milestone tracking, and accountability
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to align technical, operational, and leadership stakeholders
Proven ability to identify risks early, drive mitigation strategies, and maintain program momentum under uncertainty
Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to leverage data and reporting to inform decisions and communicate program status
Demonstrated 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 requirements
Comfort operating in field environments and engaging directly with training teams, engineers, and operators
Ability to operate effectively in environments where requirements and timelines evolve rapidly
Willingness to travel up to 40–50% to support training sites, sea trials, and program activities
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field
8+ years of experience in program management, operations, or technical project leadership
Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders
Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and timelines
Experience driving programs from concept through delivery in fast-paced environments
Experience leading or managing analysts, PMO functions, or data/reporting efforts preferred
Excellent communication skills, including experience briefing senior leadership

Nice To Haves

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 environments
Familiarity with platform development lifecycles, testing, and deployment processes
Experience supporting training programs, workforce readiness, or operational rollout efforts
Understanding of maritime operations, vessel systems, or mission planning concepts

Responsibilities

Own the cradle-to-grave development of Mission Training programs for new platforms and major capability releases
Develop and manage integrated program plans spanning curriculum development, training infrastructure, staffing readiness, and multi-site rollout
Drive alignment between platform development timelines and training program availability
Define program milestones, deliverables, and success criteria for training readiness
Identify and manage cross-functional dependencies across Engineering, Product, Instructional Design, Mission Training, and Operations
Track progress against plans and proactively resolve risks, blockers, and schedule conflicts
Partner closely with the Instructional Design Manager and team to translate platform capabilities and mission requirements into structured training curriculum
Ensure alignment between program timelines and curriculum development, validation, and release cycles
Support prioritization of instructional design efforts based on platform readiness and operational demand
Validate that training materials, assessments, and learning objectives support operator qualification and mission performance
Ensure training programs, materials, and environments are ready to support system testing, fielding, and operational use
Coordinate rollout of new training programs across multiple sites and locations
Partner with Training Operations to transition programs from development into steady-state delivery
Serve as the central coordination point for training-related efforts tied to new platforms
Align stakeholders across engineering, autonomy, maritime operations, instructional design, and training teams
Facilitate communication, decision-making, and escalation across program stakeholders
Incorporate inputs from sea trials, testing, and early deployments into training program development
Ensure training reflects real-world operational requirements, mission profiles, and system capabilities
Support development of training scenarios aligned with expected operational use
Establish and lead program-level risk management processes, identifying schedule, scope, and readiness risks early and driving mitigation strategies
Lead a team of analysts responsible for data capture, analysis, and reporting across training programs
Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting frameworks to track program health, readiness status, and key milestones
Provide clear, data-driven updates to leadership on program progress, risks, dependencies, and performance trends
Use quantitative and qualitative insights to inform decision-making and improve program outcomes

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