Strategic Programs Manager Jobs in Franklin, LA (NOW HIRING)

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.
About Saronic
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.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Ship Build Strategist to define how our autonomous vessels are built - the build sequence, block and zone breakdown, and stage-of-construction plan that carry a hull from prefabrication through commissioning and delivery.
This role is responsible for developing, owning, and continuously improving the integrated build strategy across our shipyard, translating approved designs into the most efficient, buildable path through the shipyard. The Ship Build Strategist serves as a central point between engineering, production, and planning - maximizing pre-outfitting, minimizing rework and rehandling, and aligning the build to facility, capacity, and schedule constraints so vessel milestones are achieved safely and on schedule.
The ideal candidate combines shipbuilding or complex-fabrication experience with strong methods and industrialization thinking, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve rapidly.
Responsibilities
• Develop and own the build strategy for each vessel and program - block/zone breakdown, assembly and erection sequence, and the stage-of-construction plan from keel to delivery
• Develop and maintain a master integrated production schedule
• Translate approved designs into buildable work sequences, maximizing pre-outfitting and pre-commissioning and minimizing rework, rehandling, and staging conflicts
• Create detailed work breakdown structures (WBS), unit/zone boundaries, and work packages aligned to how Production actually builds
• Integrate the build strategy with the master production schedule and Production Control so sequence, capacity, and facility constraints (ways, cranes, shops, bays) align
• Feed producibility and design-for-production requirements back to engineering; influence the design baseline so it can be built efficiently
• Partner with manufacturing engineering and optimization teams to align methods, tooling, robotics, and MES / work-instruction packaging to the build sequence
• Identify build risks, constraints, and recovery or optimization opportunities across the stage of construction
• Facilitate build-strategy and sequencing input to daily, weekly, and monthly production planning and schedule reviews
• Support launch, dock trials, sea trials, and customer delivery readiness by sequencing build and commissioning work coherently
• Support capacity planning, make/buy and modularization decisions, and new-program industrialization and estimating
• Establish and maintain build-strategy standards, playbooks, and lessons learned across programs
• Maintain build-strategy and planning data within ERP, MES, project management, and scheduling systems
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, cycle time, and delivery predictability
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine / Mechanical / Industrial Engineering, Construction or Project Management, or related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered
• 5+ years of experience in shipbuilding, production / manufacturing engineering, build planning, industrial construction, or project controls
• Experience with modular / block construction, build sequencing, and stage-of-construction planning
• Strong understanding of production workflows and shipyard, manufacturing, or industrial construction environments
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, production plans, and technical documentation
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and competing priorities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Comfortable working directly within shipyard, manufacturing, or operational environments
Preferred
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, or digital production management systems
• Familiarity with aluminum vessel construction and/or naval / defense programs
• Understanding of critical path scheduling, earned value management, or project controls methodologies
• Exposure to lean / industrial-engineering methods and to automation or robotics in fabrication
• Experience with resource planning, capacity modeling, and production forecasting
• Familiarity with class and regulatory frameworks (ABS, USCG)
• PMP, PMI-SP, AACE, Lean, or similar professional certifications
• Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume manufacturing or rapid production scaling environments
• Proficiency with scheduling software
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.