Manager, Military Operations (Autonomous Systems)

Location: Fort Pierce, Florida, USA. The role requires work in office, laboratory, shipyard, test-range, outdoor maritime, and other field operational environments, with travel up to 50% to testing sites, demonstrations, training locations, and operational deployments.

Company

hirify.global develops and operates defense-focused unmanned and autonomous systems.

What you will do

• Directly supervise Military Operations Specialists, including scheduling, task assignments, performance feedback, coaching, onboarding, readiness, and development planning.
• Coordinate operational events, demonstrations, military exercises, testing activities, and field deployments, including timelines, readiness checklists, briefings, equipment, and post-event after-action reviews.
• Support mission plans, CONOPs, operational documentation, and compliance with maritime regulations, safety procedures, and program-specific standards.
• Coordinate with government customers, partner organizations, Training, Engineering, Business Administration, logistics, payload and sensor, and field-support teams.
• Maintain familiarity with USV operations, command-and-control systems, autonomous platforms, and mission execution procedures.
• Maintain team and event records, track training and qualifications, produce status reports, and support program deliverables, data calls, and government-required reporting.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, maritime operations, military science, instructional design, defense systems, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in defense operations, maritime systems, autonomous systems, or unmanned vehicle operations.
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory, team lead, or personnel management role in an operational or technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing operational events, exercises, or defense programs.
• Familiarity with USV systems, autonomous platforms, command-and-control software, or maritime operations.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams across operations, training, and engineering functions.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one. A post-offer background check is also required.
• Ability to work in office, laboratory, field, shipyard, test-range, and outdoor maritime environments; stand, walk, and move around operational environments for extended periods; work in heat, humidity, wind, and marine conditions; and occasionally work evenings, weekends, or extended hours.
• Ability to lift or move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and valid driver’s license with ability to operate government or rental vehicles at event and training sites.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.

Nice to have

• Prior U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or special operations experience involving surface warfare, maritime patrol, or expeditionary operations.
• Experience operating or overseeing USVs, UAS, or other autonomous systems.
• Experience in both operational execution and training program delivery.
• Familiarity with government program management, SOWs, CDRLs, or defense contract environments.
• PMP, CAPM, or equivalent program or project management certification.

Culture & Benefits

• People-first leadership role focused on accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and mission readiness.
• Direct collaboration with military operations, training, engineering, autonomy, payload and sensor integration, logistics, government training, and contracting functions.
• Salary plus a generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.
• Equal employment opportunity workplace with consideration for qualified candidates with criminal history in accordance with federal and state law.
• Employment eligibility is verified through E-Verify; ITAR/EAR-restricted work requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and no need for sponsorship.