Senior Manager OUSW; R&E

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.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager of Growth to lead critical shaping and long‑term capture opportunities with the United States Department of War (DoW), particularly focusing on the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering (OUSW(R&E)). This role is critical to driving Saronic’s strategic growth by identifying new opportunities, building and maintaining strong customer partnerships, driving opportunities through the sales cycle to award, implementing winning internal business processes, and expanding our footprint.

It is expected that you will build and implement a strategic approach to deepening relationships with key DoW stakeholders, proactively shaping customer requirements, and identifying and ultimately closing growth opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of and direct experience implementing OUSW(R&E) authorities, policies, programs, and processes, particularly in relation to Prototyping and Experimentation. Recent experience as a government civilian, active‑duties service member, or contractor in the OUSW(R&E) organization is strongly desired. The candidate will have knowledge of the PPBE process, the Warfighting Acquisition System (including accelerated acquisition pathways).

• Strategic Growth: The Department of War is undergoing a significant transformation in the way in which it acquires capabilities, and OUSW(R&E) is one of the organizations at the center of that transformation. You must be ready to track and adapt to changing organizations and processes and drive results at speed.
• Lead Generation: Identify and engage key DoW stakeholders to boost awareness and demand for Saronic products and capabilities. Develop and execute lead generation strategies to secure new business.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with new and existing customers, partners, and industry stakeholders. OUSW(R&E) is the primary customer set for this position. Represent Saronic at industry events, building a robust network and identifying business opportunities.
• Proposal Development & Negotiation: Collaborate with internal teams to craft tailored proposals and presentations and deliver them to customers. Lead contract negotiations that align with our strategic goals and industry standards.
• Strategic
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with cross‑functional teams - including Program Management, Strategic Partnerships, and Legal - to craft innovative and compelling offerings that address customer needs.
• Process Implementation: Use your skills and experience to shape the company’s business processes as we continue to scale.
• Market Research: Conduct in-depth market research to identify potential clients, assess competitors, and stay ahead of emerging trends in the autonomous surface vessel industry. Use these insights to guide strategic decisions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Political Science, or related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience implementing OUSW(R&E) authorities, policies, programs, and processes, particularly in relation to Prototyping and Experimentation.
• Recent work experience within the OUSW(R&E) organization as a government civilian, active‑duties service member, or contractor is strongly desired.
• Knowledge of defense acquisition authorities, policies, and processes; autonomous systems; and maritime technology.
• Excellent written and oral communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet business objectives.
• Strong network within DoW customer base, particularly within OUSW(R&E).
• Active security clearance: TS with eligibility for TS/SCI.

• Proven industry experience in business development, program management, or a related role within defense, maritime, or technology…