Mission Success Program Manager

About Overland AI:  

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.   

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors, including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations. 

Role Summary:  

We’re looking for an ambitious problem-solver who thrives in challenging environments and has a passion for delivering advanced autonomy systems in the field. As a Mission Success Operations Manager, you will be a core member of our team, managing the technical delivery of our ground autonomy systems in remote and austere locations. In this role, you’ll work directly alongside end-users of our systems, iterating rapidly on solutions that push the boundaries of ground robotics. You will coordinate the logistics, deployment, and sustainment of our equipment in the field, engaging deeply with hardware, robotics, and agile software development practices.  

You will act as the connective tissue between customers, field teams, and internal stakeholders, ensuring programs execute smoothly and that lessons learned in the field directly shape future capability. 

What you’ll do: 

Own Mission Success in the Field 

• Lead the end-to-end execution of deployments for Overland AI’s ground autonomy systems, ensuring technical and operational success in challenging environments 
• Serve as Overland AI’s primary on-site representative during field operations, building trust and credibility with end users 
• Identify, prioritize, and resolve issues that impact mission execution, often in time-sensitive, resource-constrained situations 

Partner Closely with End Users 

• Work side by side with operators and stakeholders to understand real-world needs, constraints, and mission objectives 
• Capture and translate user feedback, operational challenges, and field observations into clear requirements and actionable inputs for internal teams 
• Influence the product roadmap by acting as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring user needs meaningfully influence hardware, autonomy, and operational priorities 

Program & Operations Leadership 

• Establish and maintain clear program structure, including goals, milestones, risks, and dependencies 
• Coordinate logistics, deployment planning, and sustainment activities, ensuring equipment, personnel, and resources are ready in the right place at the right time 
• Drive clear communication across customers, leadership, and internal teams before, during, and after deployments 
• Support follow-on contract efforts by identifying opportunities to expand scope, improve offerings, and demonstrate mission value 

Documentation & Continuous Improvement 

• Create and maintain program documentation including charters, execution plans, deployment guides, and field support processes 
• Capture lessons learned from deployments and ensure they are fed back into product, operations, and program improvements 
• Help mature Overland AI’s mission success and field operations practices as the company scales 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline preferred, or equivalent practical experience 
• Ability to obtain a US government security clearance

Desired Experience & Qualifications:  

• 4+ years of experience as a program manager, operations manager, or equivalent role 
• Demonstrated experience leading programs, operations, or complex initiatives in technical or operational environments 
• Experience fielding software or hardware products to real operating environments in deep-tech, defense, or high-growth start-up domains 
• Effective communicator with demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally 
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles 
• Experience working with ground autonomy systems 
• Demonstrated ability to deliver successful outcomes on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced operating environment 
• Willingness to operate in ambiguous environment(s) and take action to solve challenging problems 
• Prior US military experience is a plus 

Benefits: 

Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. 

• The salary range for this position is $120K to $180K annually. 
• Equity compensation. 
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental and vision plans. 
• Unlimited PTO. 
• 401k with company match. 
• Parental leave. 

Location: 

This position is located in Seattle, WA. When not traveling, expect to spend 1-3 days per week in our Seattle office or our field-testing locations in Central Washington. Frequent, extended travel, both CONUS and OCONUS, expected (>50%).