Deputy Program Manager - Test Range

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

The Test Range Coordinator is Saronic’s primary interface to U.S. Government test ranges for live-fire, missile, and target test events conducted aboard our autonomous surface vessels. You will own the end-to-end coordination of each range event — from initial scheduling and safety approvals, through launcher installation and checkout, vessel movement to the range, ordnance onload, and live test execution, to post-event launcher de-installation and demobilization. Acting as the connective tissue between Saronic engineering and operations, the Government customer, payload and effector providers, and the range authorities, you will make sure every stakeholder has the access, documentation, and information needed to execute a safe, on-schedule, and successful test.

Responsibilities

Range scheduling & access

• Serve as Saronic’s single point of contact to U.S. Government test ranges — including Cape Canaveral Space Force Station / Space Launch Delta 45 (Eastern Range), the Point Mugu Sea Range (NAWCWD, Naval Base Ventura County), and the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) — as well as other Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) sites as programs require.

• Submit, track, and maintain range-use requests and Universal Documentation System (UDS) products (e.g., Program Introduction, Program Requirements, and Operations Requirements documents), and negotiate and lock test windows on range schedules.

• Coordinate range instrumentation, tracking, optics, telemetry, and Time-Space-Position Information (TSPI) requirements, along with frequency/spectrum requests, with range personnel.

• Manage schedule conflicts, slip planning, and re-baselining across multiple concurrent test campaigns.

Safety, ordnance & regulatory approvals

• Develop and shepherd range safety packages, hazard analyses, mission rules, and launch commit criteria through range safety and flight safety boards.

• Coordinate ordnance transportation, explosives safety siting, and Explosives Safety Quantity-Distance (ESQD) requirements in accordance with DoD and range explosives safety standards.

• Coordinate ordnance/effector onload, staging, arming and de-arming, and disposition, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and range safety support.

• Support environmental and regulatory compliance, including Notices to Mariners and Airmen (NOTMAR/NOTAM) and marine-mammal and environmental monitoring requirements.

Test event planning & execution

• Build and maintain the integrated schedule for each test event, spanning launcher hardware installation, checkout, vessel movement to the range, ordnance onload, execution, and de-installation.

• Coordinate logistics for vessel transport to and from the range (over-the-road and/or marine transit), launch and recovery, and support and safety craft.

• Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), rehearsals and dry runs, and go/no-go processes, and run day-of coordination among range control, the Saronic test team, and payload providers.

• Manage post-test launcher de-installation, demobilization, range clearance, and event close-out, including data hand-off and lessons learned.

Stakeholder & information management

• Act as the information hub across Saronic, the Government customer, and payload/effector providers, maintaining shared schedules, action-item logs, interface documentation, and status reporting.

• Coordinate the flow of technical and programmatic information, including handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified material in accordance with program security requirements.

• Facilitate interface control between Saronic vessel and launcher hardware and third-party effectors, missiles, and targets (e.g., aerial and surface target drones).

• Support the agreements and funding mechanisms that enable range use

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, a physical science, logistics/operations management, or a related field — or equivalent military/operational experience in lieu of a degree.

• 3–6 years of experience in test range operations, missile/weapons or flight test, range safety, or military test and operations.

• Working knowledge of U.S. Government test range scheduling, safety, and documentation processes.

• Familiarity with ordnance and explosives handling and safety requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder events against a fixed schedule and budget.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to brief both technical teams and Government leadership.

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently (up to ~50–75% during active test periods) and to work on the waterfront and aboard vessels in an outdoor marine environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior working relationships with, or direct experience at, the Point Mugu Sea Range / NAWCWD, PMRF, Cape Canaveral / SLD 45, Eglin / Gulf Range, White Sands Missile Range, or similar ranges.

• Military background in surface warfare, aviation ordnance, gunner’s mate, EOD, range operations, or space/missile operations (U.S. Navy, USSF, USMC, Army, or USAF).

• Experience with unmanned/autonomous surface vessels (USV/ASV) or other maritime platforms.

• Familiarity with missile/effector integration, launchers, and fire-control interfaces.

• Knowledge of the Universal Documentation System (UDS) and Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) processes.

• Familiarity with DoD explosives safety standards (e.g., DoD 6055.09-M) and range safety documentation.

• Active Secret clearance (or higher).

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) or equivalent demonstrated experience.

• Small-boat operations experience or relevant U.S. Coast Guard credentials.

Travel & Work Environments

• Significant travel to test ranges, with extended on-site stays around test windows; travel is campaign-driven and may exceed 50% during active test periods.

• Work is performed at Saronic facilities, on the waterfront, and aboard vessels — including outdoors, in marine conditions, and around heavy equipment and ordnance.

• Must be able to work non-standard hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends, to meet range windows and weather/sea-state constraints.

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment, board vessels, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE); reasonable accommodations will be considered.

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 CCPA 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.