Mission Operations Specialist (Program)

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous PTO and Holidays

Paid parental leave

401(k) plan with company match

Stock options

Life and disability insurance

Discounted pet insurance

Free lunch and snacks

Pet Insurance

Free lunch and drinks

Job summary

A maritime technology company in Virginia Beach is looking for a Mission Operations Specialist to lead project coordination and ensure successful delivery of objectives. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, monitoring project progress, and problem-solving. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree, strong leadership, organizational skills, and experience in maritime operations or autonomous systems. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, generous PTO, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in mission planning software and GIS tools.
• Experience in maritime operations, particularly with autonomous systems.
• Strong analytical skills with quick decision-making abilities.
• Strong analytical and quick decision-making under pressure.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• SOF or DoD experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver work quality and output.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project objectives.
• Monitor project progress, identify issues, and implement solutions.
• Foster collaborative team environment and knowledge sharing.
• Provide guidance and coaching to team members.
• Plan missions with route optimization and risk mitigation.
• Operate ASV missions, monitor performance, troubleshoot issues.
• Generate mission reports with key findings and recommendations.
• Train DoD personnel on ASV operation and maintenance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards.

Skills

Project coordination

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Mission planning software

GIS tools

Maritime navigation systems

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.

The Mission Operations Specialist role is responsible for coordinating and delivering work quality, output, basic budgeting, progress, and overall adherence to deadlines of the Mission Operations team. You will work closely with team members, stakeholders, and other departments to ensure successful delivery of assigned project and program objectives to meet organizational goals.

You are able to meet deadlines and achieve desired outcomes as both an individual contributor and as a part of your team.

Projects are defined as work that ends with the delivery of an expected outcome or end date. e.g. payload integration and demonstration of function.

Programs are defined as longer, less terminal workstreams such as ongoing product improvement and development roadmaps. e.g. supporting the ongoing development and testing of a vessel such as Corsair.

Responsibilities

• How you support the team:
• You help drive one or more projects or product supporting programs toward a goal. e.g. ongoing R&D for Corsair
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define goals, objectives, and deliverables.
• Monitor the progress of projects, identifying potential issues or bottlenecks, and implement corrective measures as needed.
• Foster a collaborative and positive team environment, promoting open communication, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and support to team members, including technical expertise, problem‑solving assistance, and career development coaching.
• How you support the mission:
• Planning: Work between internal and external stakeholders such as DoD customers, facilitating communication, managing expectations, and ensuring mission or program requirements are met. You will support the team through development of comprehensive mission plans, considering factors such as route optimization, environmental conditions, and risk mitigation to achieve desired outcomes.
• ASV Operations and Monitoring: Operate ASV operations during missions, monitoring vessel performance, sensor data, and mission progress in real time. Troubleshoot technical issues and implement contingency plans to ensure mission continuity. Maintain situational awareness of maritime environments and adjust mission parameters as needed.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret data acquired during ASV missions to derive actionable insights. Generate comprehensive mission reports detailing key findings, observations, and recommendations. Provide feedback to the engineering and development teams for continuous improvement of ASV capabilities.
• Training and Support: Conduct training sessions for DoD personnel on ASV operation, mission planning, and maintenance procedures. Provide ongoing support and assistance to end‑users, addressing inquiries and resolving operational challenges effectively.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, DoD policies, and industry standards related to ASV operations. Implement safety protocols and procedures to mitigate operational risks and ensure personnel safety.

Role Requirements

• Demonstrated success in project coordination and leadership in current role.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and senior management.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
• Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate and inspire team members.
• Job requires up to 100% travel.
• Able to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water, lift up to 75 lbs., and spend extended time periods on the water.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, maritime studies, or equivalent experience in a related field is preferred.
• Experience in maritime operations, particularly with autonomous or unmanned systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in mission planning software, GIS tools, and maritime navigation systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Prior SOF experience working with the DoD or other government agencies is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Ability to certify as “fit for work” by demonstrating ability to swim and tread water.
• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 75 lbs.
• Will be exposed to marine environments, including sun, wind, rain, cold, and saltwater spray, often for extended periods.
• Must be able to operate in daylight, low‑light, and night conditions using marine navigation systems and visual cues.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day.
• The ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs.

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.