What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Program Manager position at Ocean Aero Inc?
About Ocean Aero:
Ocean Aero is an award-winning US company that has created the world’s first and only environmentally powered Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV). Ocean Aero’s autonomous marine robot, the Triton, operates exclusively on wind and solar energy and performs long endurance missions on the ocean surface with the ability to dive below the waves for underwater operations. The Triton uses a complex array of custom-built sensors, marinized electronics and software systems to operate, sense and communicate in the environment. Ocean Aero has a collaborative culture with plenty of opportunities for growth and ownership.
Role Description:
The Technical Program Manager (TPM) will be responsible for planning, coordination, and delivery across hardware, software, autonomy, testing, ensuring complex engineering work is delivered on time and meets mission requirements. The ideal candidate will have technical experience with autonomous vehicles, integration, systems engineering, and working in a fast-paced environment.
The TPM will be working alongside a team of creative engineers with a diverse set of backgrounds and skills. This role will report to the Chief Technology Officer.
Role Responsibilities:
Program Execution & Delivery
- Document, coordinate, manage technical requirements, from customers through engineering design and delivery
- Planning, coordination, and delivery across hardware, software, autonomy, and testing to ensure complex engineering work is delivered on time and meets mission requirements
- Build and maintain integrated program plans, schedules, and milestones across hardware, software, autonomy, controls, and testing
- Track progress, risks, dependencies, and deliverables; proactively surface issues and drive resolution
- Ensure alignment between engineering priorities and company goals
Cross Functional Coordination
- Serve as central coordination point between core boat, production, autonomy, and payload engineering teams
- Facilitate technical reviews, planning meetings, and retrospectives
- Translate system-level goals into executable plans for engineering team
- Coordinate external partners, vendors, or field teams as needed
Technical & Systems Understanding
- Apply a working understanding of:
- Autonomous navigation and control systems
- Marine sensors (sonar, GPS, INS, cameras, etc.)
- Embedded systems, communications, and power
- Field testing and validation in real-world marine environments
- Ask the right technical questions to identify schedule or integration risks early
Process & Continuous Improvement
- Establish lightweight, scalable program management processes
- Improve predictability without slowing down engineering velocity
- Define, and document success metrics (milestones, readiness levels, test outcomes)
- Communicate with management weekly via email, documentation, and PowerPoint with current:
- Program deliverables
- Earned value management status
- Work force utilization
- Technical status
- Engage in continuous “what-if” planning against changing resource allocation
Role Requirements:
- BS or MS in Engineering or technical field
- 5 years’ experience in technical program management, systems engineering, or project leadership in complex engineering environments
- Experience working with hardware and software systems (robotics, autonomy, aerospace, marine, or similar)
- Strong ability to manage multiple workstreams and dependencies
- Excellent PowerPoint and organizational skills
- Clear communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Proven track record of delivering complex technical programs
- Ability to travel occasionally, as needed
- US Government position. US Citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
- Possess a valid Transportation Worker Identity Credential (TWIC) or successfully pass the requirements to obtain one
- Ability to pass drug screen, background check, and motor vehicle screening
Role Preferences:
- General interest in robotics
- Experience with the marine environment and systems (including ROVs, UUVs, USVs)