Operations Specialist, Forward Deployed Engineering

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 OverviewWe are seeking a highly organized and mission-driven Operations Specialist to support the Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) team. This role combines operational execution with program-level project management. You will be responsible for ensuring that every FDE effort, whether field demo, internal development sprint, or customer deployment, is executed with precision and clarity. You will enable our engineers to focus on high-impact technical work by owning logistics, tracking requirements, and managing project schedules and budgets through cross-functional coordination. You will oversee tactical and strategic responsibilities as a key partner to the FDE Manager, in a chief of staff and project manager capacity.Responsibilities Own and manage project schedules, deliverables, and cross-functional milestones for FDE-led initiativesSupport the definition, documentation, and tracking of technical requirements and system capabilitiesRun and coordinate structured design reviews to capture decisions and ensure alignment with engineering and product roadmapsTrack and manage FDE-related budgets, vendor contracts, and spend against planMonitor risks, resourcing constraints, and execution dependencies across fielded projectsMaintain accurate documentation of Bill of Materials (BOMs), procurement timelines, and key component delivery schedulesDrive the day-to-day operational rhythm of the FDE teamDrive logistics and coordination for field operations, customer demos, internal tests, and deploymentsEnsure centralized visibility into team activities via dashboards and regular reporting on deliverables and resource utilizationCollaborate with engineering, product, legal, and compliance teams to ensure alignment on FDE goals and execution timelinesServe as a trusted liaison between the FDE team and internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear, timely communication and follow-throughSupport scaling the team to an international footprintPartner with the FDE Manager to ensure strategic initiatives are staffed, scoped, and executed effectivelyIdentify and improve operational inefficiencies across onboarding, documentation, tooling, and knowledge sharingDevelop and refine process workflows, templates, and coordination mechanisms to scale execution quality and consistencyCoordinate hiring and onboarding efforts for new FDE team membersQualifications 3+ years of experience in operations, project coordination, or engineering program management in robotics, aerospace, defense, or a similar fieldBachelor's degree in engineering, operations, or a related fieldExperience managing schedules, budgets, and component delivery timelines in a hardware and software environmentProven experience supporting multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced, field-driven contextsFamiliarity with running or supporting design reviews, managing requirements traceability, and coordinating subsystem development effortsProficient in project management tools (e.g., Monday, Coda, MS Excel, or equivalent)Detail-oriented, with a systems-level mindset, and the ability to manage technical documentation and execution workflowsExcellent communicator and able to translate between technical teams, external partners, and operational stakeholdersSelf-starter with a strong bias toward ownership and a pragmatic, get-things-done attitudeExperience working with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite), MRP systems (e.g., ION), and BOM management tools (e.g., Arena)Familiarity with U.S. defense contracting, DoD logistics, and proposal/IRAD tracking is preferredBenefits Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of servicesDental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision careSaronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependentsTime Off: Generous PTO and HolidaysParental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parentsCompetitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonusesRetirement Plan: 401(k) planStock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s successLife and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverageAdditional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Physical DemandsProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computerOccasional standing and walking within the officeManual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipmentVisual acuity to read screens, documents, and reportsOccasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office suppliesLifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California EmployeesIf 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