VP of Product

Responsibilities:

• Product Strategy & Vision:  Develop and communicate a compelling product vision and strategy that aligns with Saronic’s overall goals, particularly the needs of defense and maritime operations. Ensure that the product roadmap is forward-thinking and includes innovation in autonomous technologies. 
• Leadership & Team Building:  Lead, mentor, and scale the product management team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance. Build a cross-functional, agile environment with clear roles and responsibilities to drive success. 
• Product Development Lifecycle:  Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and design through engineering, testing, and deployment. Ensure that products meet rigorous military standards, safety protocols, and compliance requirements. 
• Stakeholder Engagement:  Collaborate with DoD and defense contractors to understand mission-critical requirements, ensuring that products align with customer needs and regulatory standards. Manage relationships with key stakeholders to incorporate feedback and guide product enhancements. 
• Market & Competitive Analysis:  Conduct market research and competitive analysis to stay ahead of industry trends, particularly in autonomous systems and defense technologies. Use data and insights to continuously refine and improve product offerings. 
• Metrics & Performance:  Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for product success. Leverage data to drive decision-making and measure the impact of product initiatives on the company’s bottom line. 
• Go-to-Market & Commercialization:  Work with the sales, marketing, and business development teams to define product positioning, pricing, and go-to-market strategies for the DoD market. Play a key role in the commercialization process for government contracts and military procurements. 
• Innovation & R&D:  Drive innovation in the product portfolio, exploring new technologies such as AI, machine learning, and advanced navigation systems that will set the company apart in the defense sector. 

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (10+ years) in product leadership roles, preferably in the defense, autonomous systems, or robotics industries. 
• Strong understanding of DoD procurement processes, military regulations, and defense industry standards. 
• Deep technical knowledge of autonomous systems, particularly in maritime and surface vessel technologies. 
• Demonstrated experience building and scaling product teams in high-growth, innovative environments. 
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical, business, and government stakeholders. 
• Experience managing product development from concept to commercialization, including overseeing large, complex projects with a focus on quality, security, and compliance. 
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision with short-term execution. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with shifting priorities and requirements. 
• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, business, or a related field is a plus. 

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