Mission Success Program Manager

Overland AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Flexible paid time off

401(k) with company matching

Parental leave

Monthly wellness stipend

Workplace & productivity reimbursement

Job summary

Overland AI, headquartered in Seattle, WA, seeks a Mission Success Operations Manager to lead the technical delivery of ground autonomy systems in remote locations, coordinating logistics, deployment, and sustainment with hardware and software teams. You will act as the on-site representative with end users, translating field observations into clear requirements and shaping the product roadmap.

The role requires frequent travel and strong program-management skills to enable successful

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to obtain a US government security clearance.
• 4+ years of experience as a program manager, operations manager, or equivalent role.
• Experience fielding software or hardware products to real operating environments in defense or high-growth start-up domains.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end deployments of ground autonomy systems in challenging environments.
• Serve as the primary on-site representative during field operations.
• Identify and resolve mission-critical issues in time-sensitive, resource-constrained settings.
• Capture user feedback and field observations to inform requirements for internal teams.
• Influence the product roadmap by representing the voice of the customer.

Skills

Program management

Operations management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Software development lifecycles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.

Overland AIhas secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, andbuilt trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.

Role Summary

We’relooking for an ambitious problem-solver who thrives in challenging environments and has a passion for delivering advanced autonomy systems in the field. As a Mission Success Operations Manager, you will be a core member of our team, managing the technical delivery of our ground autonomy systems in remote and austere locations. In this role,you’llwork directly alongside end-users of our systems, iterating rapidly on solutions that push the boundaries of ground robotics. You will coordinate thelogistics, deployment, and sustainment of our equipment in the field, engaging deeply with hardware, robotics, and agile software development practices.

You will act as the connective tissue between customers, field teams, and internal stakeholders,ensuring programs execute smoothly and that lessons learned in the field directly shape future capability.

Key Responsibilities

Own Mission Success in the Field

• Lead the end-to-end execution of deployments for Overland AI’s ground autonomy systems, ensuring technical and operational success in challenging environments
• Serve as Overland AI’s primary on-site representative during field operations, building trust and credibility with end users
• Identify, prioritize, and resolve issues thatimpactmission execution,often in time-sensitive, resource-constrainedsituations

Partner Closely with End Users

• Work side by side with operators and stakeholders to understand real-world needs, constraints, and mission objectives
• Capture and translate user feedback, operational challenges, and field observations into clear requirements and actionable inputs for internal teams
• Influence the product roadmap by actingas the voice of the customer internally, ensuring user needs meaningfully influence hardware, autonomy, and operational priorities

Program & Operations Leadership

• Establish andmaintainclear program structure, including goals, milestones, risks, and dependencies
• Coordinatelogistics, deployment planning, and sustainment activities, ensuring equipment, personnel, and resources are ready in the right place at the right time
• Drive clear communication across customers, leadership, andinternalteams before, during, and after deployments
• Support follow-on contract efforts byidentifyingopportunities to expand scope, improve offerings, anddemonstratemission value
• Create andmaintainprogram documentation including charters, execution plans, deployment guides, and field support processes
• Capture lessons learned from deployments andensurethey are fed back into product, operations, and program improvements
• Help mature Overland AI’s mission success and field operations practices as the company scales

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering disciplinepreferred, or equivalent practical experience
• Ability to obtain a US government security clearance

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience as a program manager, operations manager, or equivalent role
• Demonstrated experience leading programs, operations, or complex initiatives in technical or operational environments
• Experience fielding software or hardware products toreal operatingenvironments in deep-tech, defense, or high-growth start-up domains
• Effective communicator withdemonstratedability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally
• Strong understandingofsoftware development lifecycles
• Experience workingwith ground autonomy systems
• Demonstrated ability to deliver successful outcomes on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced operating environment
• Willingness tooperateinambiguousenvironment(s)andtake action to solvechallengingproblems
• Prior US military experience is a plus

Location

This positionis locatedin Seattle, WA .Frequent, extended travel, both CONUS and OCONUS, expected (>50%).

Pay range:

Mission Success Program Manager

$120,000 - $150,000 annually

Benefits include

• Equity compensation
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Flexible paid time off
• 401(k) with company matching contributions
• Parental leave
• Monthly wellness stipend
• One-time workplace & productivity reimbursement

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
This position may involve access to export-controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.
Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [e-mail] to request an accommodation.