Director of Growth, Non-Defense

Saronic Technologies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Time Off

Parental Leave

Competitive Salary

401(k) Plan

Stock Options

Life Insurance

Pet Insurance

Free lunch

Drinks and snacks

Job summary

Saronic Technologies Inc. in San Diego seeks an experienced Director of Growth to lead shaping and capture of US government unmanned maritime programs.

You will drive strategy, build teams, and coordinate cross‑functional efforts to win Programs of Record, working with senior leadership. The role requires deep DHS/USG familiarity, mastery of acquisition processes, and a proven network across DHS, USCG, and acquisition offices.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in strategic growth with DHS programs.
• Deep knowledge of PPBE and acquisition processes.
• Strong network in DHS, USCG, and maritime community.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (polygraph or full scope a plus but not required).

Responsibilities

• Shape, develop and implement a strategic approach to capture a Program of Record, including key hires and team development.
• Accelerate the USG acquisition revolution and deliver capability ahead of expectations.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to craft compelling proposals and negotiate favorable contracts.
• Develop innovative strategies for shaping, developing and capturing Programs of Record.
• Ensure adherence to ITAR, cybersecurity, and MIL-STD requirements.
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on contracts and proposals strategies.
• Maintain current TS/SCI eligibility.

Skills

Team Leadership

Strategic Growth

USG / DHS Knowledge

Acquisition Processes

Maritime Domain Awareness

Negotiation

Program Capture

Job description

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.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Director of Growth to lead critical shaping and long-term capture opportunities within the United States Government (USG) and focused on agencies outside the Department of War (e.g. DHS, DOC, DOS, etc.). This role offers direct access to senior leadership and a clear path for professional growth. You will support the campaign to develop, shape, propose, and capture programs in unmanned maritime systems. It is expected that you will build and implement a strategic approach to the problem set. 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. 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 the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and it’s associated components (i.e. USCG, CBP, USSS, S&T, USM, etc.). The candidate will have knowledge of accelerated acquisition pathways, and how to increase support for Company capture. Additionally, the candidate will understand Major Force Program Funding and focus on INDOPACIFIC problem sets. Prior military operational + acquisition experience is highly valued.

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 United States Government 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 DHS Programs – preferably with a 0 to 1 track record.

• Strong knowledge of PPBE, acquisition processes, congressional lobbying processes, reform, and rapid acquisition processes.

• Exceptional understanding of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), US border security, and the associated gaps that have prevented DHS from a more modern and meaningful approach.

• Exceptional network; DHS, USCG, DOW, maritime community are all highly valued.

• Proven leadership to include leading, developing, and scaling 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:

• 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.

• Intimate contacts within highest levels of DHS, the USCG, and across requirements owners, resource sponsors, and acquisition offices.

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 CCAA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). 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. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.