Program Analyst - Autonomous Surface Vessels

Saronic · Defense · Austin, TX · Business Development

This role is a Program Analyst for an Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) program. The primary focus is on program management, project management, and customer engagement, synthesizing technical and qualitative customer objectives into strategic roadmaps and taskings. The role involves tracking program performance, managing risks, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure program execution and compliance with contractual requirements and industry regulations. While the company develops autonomous systems, this specific role is centered on program analysis and management, not direct AI/ML development or research.

What you'd actually do

  1. Take initiative through both short and long term projects that implement customer deliverables, establishing/revamping team processes, and enterprise-wide program strategy.
  2. Act as a trusted point of contact for customer POCs, supporting program managers in planning, tracking, and communicating milestones, deliverables, and solutions.
  3. Track and evaluate program performance metrics, including cost, schedule, and quality, to ensure alignment with objectives and deliverables.
  4. Compile and analyze program data, generating reports, dashboards, and presentations to inform decision-making for program leadership and stakeholders.
  5. Identify and assess program risks (technical, qualitative, and process related) while collaborating with teams to develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Required

  • 4+ years of experience in program analysis, project management, sales, military/defense policy, or equivalent military experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, International Relations, or a technical discipline (e.g., Engineering, Naval Architecture) or equivalent work experience in a technical environment.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse, high-level stakeholders.
  • Ability to learn fast and operate in a high-stakes, high-trust environment within a rapidly growing organization.

Nice to have

  • Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., PMP, PMI-RMP).
  • Foreign Languages (Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, or Arabic) are a plus.
  • Experience in maritime, defense, or autonomous systems programs is a plus.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and CRM/data management tools are a plus (e.g., Salesforce, Palantir Foundry).
  • Background in Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) or another related cutting-edge defense technology (hardware or software).
  • A general understanding of engineering facets, such as schematics, software development, Computer-Aided Design, wiring diagrams, and system-level architecture.
  • Direct experience with Department of Defense (DoD) program management practices and reporting standards.
  • Active U.S. or allied security clearance (or eligibility to obtain one).
  • Certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP) or Risk Management (e.g., PMI-RMP).

What the JD emphasized

  • Be high-performing and self-sufficient in identifying, mitigating, and resolving risks to program and overall mission success for Saronic customers.