Senior Director of Strategic Growth - Unmanned Systems

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.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Director of Strategic Growth Unmanned Systems to lead critical shaping and long-term capture opportunities with the United States Department of Defense. This role offers direct access to executive leadership and a clear path for professional growth, including the opportunity to build and lead a high-performing team. You will lead the campaign to develop, shape, propose, and capture a large Program of Record in unmanned maritime systems. It is expected that you will build and implement a strategic approach to the problem set. This will include leading by example, hiring where required, and seeing through the effort from shaping requirements, solicitation, capture, and transition for the next generation of US shipbuilding. It is a requirement that you are passionate about revitalizing America’s maritime superiority and understanding the gaps and requirements needed to be closed to achieve this vision.

This position requires the ability to think creatively, navigate intricate requirements, and deliver exceptional results. You will lead a team that will encompass legal, contracts, proposals, growth leads, and directly manage this campaign with company support. This position also comes with direct input and access to recommend the deployment of capital to close on requirements and gaps, ahead of need, to deliver capability to DoD at the speed of relevance.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of US Navy / Marine Corps / Military Sealift Command Requirements, CONOPs, Resourcing, Acquisitions and Contracting pathways (the entire PPBE pipeline). Additionally, the candidate will have knowledge of accelerated acquisition pathways, and how to increase support for Company capture. This would include recommendations on strategic capture strategies to include teaming, partnerships, subKs, and alignments.

It is expected a candidate will have an intimate understanding of the Government appropriations processes inside both the Legislative and Executive Branches of the US Government. Additionally, in a changing and dynamic budgeting environment, a mindset for ‘outside-the-box' approaches to developing long-term programs and capabilities is a must.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Shape, develop and implement a strategic approach to capture a Program of Record to include key hires and team development where required to ensure success.
• Strategic Growth: The Department of Defense is undergoing a revolution in its acquisition processes. You must be ready to accelerate that revolution and deliver capability ahead of expectations and drive results.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams—including Business Development, Program Management, and Legal—to craft compelling proposals and negotiate favorable contracts.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Develop innovative strategies to address unique challenges in shaping, developing and capturing Programs of Record.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure adherence to all regulatory and company standards, including ITAR, cybersecurity, and MIL-STD requirements.
• Leadership Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, providing insights and recommendations on contracts and proposals strategies.
• Clearance: The candidate must have a current TS/SCI eligibility.
  
  

Qualifications

• Demonstrated prior team leadership experience in strategic growth with DoD ACAT Programs of Record – preferably with a 0 to 1 track record, and multiple programs closed.
• Strong knowledge of PPBE, acquisition processes, congressional lobbying processes, reform, and rapid acquisition processes.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and scale a team.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and negotiation skills. Expectation is to shape, develop and close ACAT II or similar level Programs.
• Creative problem-solving abilities with a focus on delivering strategic solutions.
• Active security clearance: TS/SCI (polygraph or full scope a plus but not required)
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Candidate has intimate contacts within highest levels of the US Navy across requirements owners, resource sponsors and acquisition offices.
• The individual will be a self-starter with autonomy and a bias for action. We will hire for culture – as much of the initial ground game will have to be individually driven.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Leadership Access: Work closely with executive leadership, influencing key business decisions. You report directly to the VP of Growth and lead a key company campaign.
• Room for Growth: This role offers a clear path to expanded responsibilities and career advancement.
• Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking company redefining the maritime industry.
• Team Building Opportunity: Shape and lead a growing team to meet the company’s evolving needs. This role will require a team and we offer the opportunity to build and grow headcount as required to capture this and future opportunities.
  
  

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 99% of the premium 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
• 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
• 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.