Program Manager, SOCOM Programs (San Diego)

Program Manager, SOCOM Programs

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 revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea. We are seeking a Program Manager to lead complex acquisition and delivery efforts for USSOCOM, with a focus on advanced autonomous surface vessel (ASV) platforms and mission systems. This leader will serve as the interface to Government stakeholders, accountable for cost, schedule, performance, and mission outcomes across distributed, multi-site teams.

In addition to execution excellence, this leader will support the VP of Programs to build and scale our internal PMO capacity, partner with Business Development to drive organic growth, and engage in firm- and capability-building initiatives that strengthen Saronic's ability to deliver at scale.

Responsibilities

Lead large SOCOM programs from contract award through fielding and sustainment.

Serve as Program Manager of record and POC to Government leadership (HQ USSOCOM, SOF AT&L PEOs, Components, TSOCs).

Translate operational SOF mission into executable program strategies in alignment with company goals and ongoing campaigns.

Guide and advise the customer when requirements, scope, or plans are ambiguous or evolving, shaping executable paths forward that align with mission priorities.

Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, and IMP / IMS.

Apply strong familiarity with the DoD 5000, USSOCOM Directive (D) 70-1, Adaptive Acquisition Framework, and Software Acquisition Pathway processes to accelerate fielding.

Leverage experience managing programs fielded through Commercial Solutions Openings and Other Transactional Authorities, as well as traditional FAR-based contracts.

Build and maintain Requirements Verification Traceability Matrix (RVTM) for individual programs & contracts.

Oversee development, testing, and delivery of autonomous surface vessels and associated technologies within the scope of managed SOCOM contracts.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams spanning business development, sales, design engineering, forward deployed engineering, manufacturing, mission operations, cyber, training, and sustainment.

Actively participate in capture lifecycle, including Stage Gate reviews through proposal submission, ensuring programmatic rigor informs growth opportunities.

Support planning, coordination, and execution of on-water demonstrations, customer events, military exercises, and integration of developmental technologies into operational scenarios. This may include field work or long hours on-water.

Maintain a formal risk register; identify and mitigate program risks to protect delivery, performance, and customer relationships.

Optimize allocation of human, financial, and material resources for efficiency and ROI.

Work closely with PMO Operations to develop forward-looking resourcing requirements for current and future SOCOM work, ensuring alignment with staffing and organizational planning across the company.

Build trusted relationships with USSOCOM leaders, contracting officers, and operators.

Manage subcontractors and suppliers negotiate scope, enforce SLAs, and ensure performance.

Collaborate with customers to clarify needs, refine ambiguous contracting requirements, and co-develop executable program plans.

Coordinate and oversee customer-facing demonstrations, exercises, and integration events.

Ensure adherence to DoD, DFARS, NIST, OPSEC, and RMF standards.

Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to enforce rigorous QA standards, delivering systems that meet or exceed DoD performance and reliability requirements.

Deliver regular reports, PMRs, CDRLs, IBRs, QBRs, and stakeholder briefings to senior leadership and Government customers.

Provide transparent updates on milestones, achievements, risks, and mitigation strategies.

Define track, and report on KPIs and metrics to bring contracts to life and ensure accountability against performance baselines.

Build, mentor, and support the scaling of the Program Management Office (PMO) working closely with the VP of Programs to deliver current and future SOCOM programs.

Develop and coach junior PMs and deputies to ensure leadership succession and long-term organizational depth.

Establish repeatable, scalable program management processes that drive consistency, quality, and efficiency across the SOCOM account.

Advance Saronic's internal capacity and maturity as a high-performing, program-driven organization by establishing cultural norms, frameworks, and cross-functional integration that enable the company to scale effectively as SOCOM work expands.

Partner with Growth and BD teams to expand Saronic's SOCOM presence through organic growth within existing contracts and task orders.

Identify opportunities for scope expansion, recompete positioning, and customer advocacy.

Contribute to capture activities : develop programmatic inputs for proposals, participate in orals, and collaborate with growth colleagues with the development of growth strategies tied to program delivery excellence.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, business, or related field (Master's preferred).

1015+ years of progressive DoD program management experience, which may include time on active duty conducting these responsibilities.

5+ years directly supporting USSOCOM / SOF AT&L or related SOF acquisition programs.

PMP certification and / or DAWIA Program Management Level III (or equivalent).

Demonstrated success leading multi-year, multi-site programs with integrated contractor / subcontractor teams.

Familiarity with SOF mission and operational context, to include strong ties to SOCOM community.

Deep expertise with DoD 5000 .02 / AAF PPBE, SWP, and EVM practices.

Proven experience managing programs under both Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and traditional FAR-based contracts.

Active TS / SCI (or TS with SCI eligibility).

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

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 at a desk and working on a computer.

Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).