Mission Operations Specialist (Program) Strategy & Ops

Front Door Defense; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Saronic Technologies is seeking a Mission Operations Specialist to plan and execute autonomous vessel missions for DoD partners, with on-site support for integration and operations in Austin, TX. The role requires frequent travel up to 80% to partner locations and customer sites.

You will coordinate mission plans, assist with field testing, data collection, and real-time troubleshooting of ASV systems, acting as a liaison between partners and internal teams to ensure successful delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Computer Science or related field.
• 3+ years in field support or customer-facing technical roles.
• Experience with complex hardware or software systems.
• Willingness to travel up to 80%.

Responsibilities

• On-Site Technical Support: provide on-site support to partners during integration, installation, commissioning, and operations. Troubleshoot complex ASV issues.
• System Integration: collaborate with partners to integrate vessels into existing systems and validate interoperability.
• Customer Training and Documentation: conduct training sessions, develop guides and documentation for operators.
• Remote Support and Troubleshooting: provide remote assistance and guide users to resolution.
• Field Testing and Validation: participate in field tests, collect data, and report findings to engineering.
• Customer Relationship Management: build strong partner relationships and align goals with internal teams.
• Travel Management: plan and coordinate travel logistics for on-site visits.
• Planning: develop mission plans considering routes, conditions, and risk.
• ASV Operations and Monitoring: oversee missions, monitor sensors, and adjust parameters as needed.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: analyze mission data and generate actionable insights.
• Compliance and Safety: ensure DoD regulatory and safety compliance.

Skills

Technical support

System integration

Project coordination

Travel readiness

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Mission planning software

GIS tools

Maritime navigation systems

Job description

Mission Operations Specialist (Program)

Plan and execute autonomous vessel missions for DoD partners with on-site support

Location: Austin, Texas

About The Role

Mission Operations Specialist

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 sits at the point where our vessels meet the customer. You plan and run ASV missions, provide on-site technical support to DoD partners during integration and operations, and coordinate the projects and programs that carry that work from concept to delivery.

This role requires frequent travel to partner and customer locations, domestically and internationally, up to 80% of the time.

You will work closely with team members, stakeholders, and other departments to ensure successful delivery of assigned project and program objectives.

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

• On-Site Technical Support: Provide on-site technical support and assistance to partners and customers during product integration, installation, commissioning, and ongoing operations. Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to our autonomous surface vessels, systems, and software
• System Integration: Collaborate with partners and customers to integrate our autonomous surface vessels into their existing systems and infrastructure. Ensure seamless interoperability and compatibility between our products and their operational environment. Support system-level testing and validation activities
• Customer Training and Documentation: Conduct training sessions and workshops to educate partners and customers on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of our products. Develop training materials, user guides, and technical documentation to facilitate knowledge transfer and best practices
• Remote Support and Troubleshooting: Provide remote technical support to partners and customers, leveraging communication tools and remote access capabilities. Diagnose and troubleshoot issues, guide users through problem resolution, and elevate complex issues to the appropriate teams for further investigation
• Field Testing and Validation: Participate in field testing and validation activities at partner and customer locations. Collect data, assess performance, and provide feedback to the engineering and design teams. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address any identified issues and implement necessary improvements
• Customer Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with partners and customers by delivering exceptional technical support and fostering effective communication. Understand their needs, gather feedback, and advocate for their requirements internally. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define goals, objectives, and deliverables. Act as a technical liaison between partners/customers and Saronic internal teams
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and product enhancements based on customer feedback and on-site experiences. Collaborate with internal teams to implement changes and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our products and services
• Travel Management: Coordinate travel logistics and scheduling for on-site visits. Ensure timely and efficient travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodation, and necessary equipment
• 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.
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a field support or customer-facing technical role, preferably with complex hardware or software systems
• Demonstrated success in project coordination and leadership in current role.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to operate company vehicles or rental cars as needed
• 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.
• Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate and inspire team members.
• Job requires up to 80% 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

• Prior SOF and Military experience working with the DoD or other government agencies is a plus or equivalent experience
• 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 technical knowledge of autonomous systems, robotics, or marine vessels, including their integration, operation, and troubleshooting
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a track record of diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues in real-world environments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Customer-oriented mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional support and building long-term relationships with partners and customers
• Familiarity with remote support tools and troubleshooting methodologies
• This role may require flexibility to work during weekends or outside standard business hours to meet project deadlines, respond to urgent needs, or support essential business operations.
• Active U.S. security clearance is required in advance of hire. TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility is preferred, but not required in advance of hire.

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