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Director of Program Operations
Saronic Technologies
Operations
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Jan 31, 2026
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.
About the Role
Saronic Technologies is seeking a Director of Program Operations to build, scale, and operate the systems, processes, and surge capacity that enable reliable execution across Saronic’s growing portfolio of Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) programs.
The Director of Program Operations is a team leader of the Programs organization — ensuring that analysts, schedulers, digital development, and services delivery teams have the structure, tools, and support required to scale execution across all customers. This role focuses on designing and institutionalizing program operating models while remaining deeply hands-on with program strategic directions to alleviate execution risk, ambiguity, or demand spikes.
This role partners closely with the VP of Programs, Program Directors, and cross-functional executives across Engineering, Product, Production, and Growth. The Director is also expected to embed directly into programs, customer engagements, partnerships, or internal initiatives to provide ad-hoc surge support and stabilize execution when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Operations Leadership
- Own and lead the Program Operations function, defining how programs are stood up, governed, tracked, and supported across Saronic.
- Establish scalable operating models that support increasing program count, customer complexity, and delivery tempo.
- Define clear process and decision ownership between Program Operations, Program Management, and Technical Program Management.
- Serve as the senior escalation point for cross-functional execution issues that impact multiple programs or customers.
- Process Development & Organizational Scaling
- Design, implement, and maintain program management processes, workflows, templates, and governance standards.
- Lead enterprise initiatives to improve visibility into cost, schedule, risk, staffing, and customer commitments.
- Own program operations tooling and reporting strategy in partnership with Finance and internal software development teams.
- Ensure program processes support both government and commercial execution models without unnecessary overhead.
- Surge Support & Embedded Execution
- Act as on-demand surge capacity for high-priority internal and customer-facing needs, including program stand-up, recovery, and executive support.
- Embed directly within programs when execution risk emerges to stabilize operations, align stakeholders, and drive decisions.
- Lead special projects and time-sensitive initiatives on behalf of the VP of Programs and executive leadership.
- Absorb ambiguity and shifting priorities to protect program teams and leadership bandwidth.
- Cross Functional Coordination
- Serve as connective tissue across Engineering, Software, Operations, Production, Quality, Finance, and Mission teams.
- Resolve execution friction by clarifying ownership, sequencing, and accountability across functions.
- Support Program Directors and TPM leaders with operational structure, planning, and executive-ready inputs.
- Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Support and, when required, lead customer-facing engagements that demand senior operational credibility.
- Prepare leadership for executive-level reviews, demonstrations, and external engagements.
- Ensure customer commitments are clearly defined, operationally achievable, and consistently tracked.
- Support rapid response to emergent customer requests and mission-driven priorities.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Program Management, or a related technical/national security field (MBA Preferred).
- 10+ years of experience in program operations, program management, or operational leadership roles.
- Demonstrated experience building scalable processes in a growing organization.
- Proven ability to operate effectively under ambiguity, urgency, and competing priorities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface confidently with technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing complex programs in the national security, security cooperation, defense, or VC/startup space.
- Familiarity with DOD program execution and challenging customer dynamics.
- Experience standing up, scaling, or recovering programs in high-growth environments.
- Familiarity with enterprise tools such as Salesforce, Palantir Foundry, or equivalent systems.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with a strong growth mandate.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Vision: Connects current program delivery to long-term growth, ensuring today’s work supports tomorrow’s opportunities.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Develops and empowers junior and mid-level staff, fostering accountability and professional growth.
- Cross-Functional Alignment: Unites Product, Engineering, Operations, and Business Development around shared mission goals.
- Customer Orientation: Anticipates needs, manages ambiguity, and represents Saronic as a trusted mission partner.
- Execution Excellence: Balances strategy with disciplined program management and risk oversight.
- Systems Thinker: design processes and operate to within gray areas at scale and with tact.
- Reliable Operator: Earns trust from Program Managers and Executives, while between strategic planning and tactical execution.
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 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.