Program Manager

Who we are:

Fuse builds innovative communications, networking, and computing solutions that improve the sharing of information, video, text, and voice among operators distributed throughout the airborne, maritime, and ground environments. We are a technology firm creating in-house software, network and hardware solutions that support our noble cause of advancing warfighter capabilities with elegant, user-focused communications, networks, and software systems. 

About this role:

Fuse is seeking a Program Manager and proven leader – ideally a USMC or NSW veteran - to support ground vehicle communications systems integration projects. This person will be driving our KRAKEN Expeditionary Gateway from concept to combat-ready. This role demands someone who can operate at the intersection of tech, mission, and speed The ideal candidate will have ground vehicle communications systems integration experience with USMC-related experience a plus. This role will oversee the successful development, integration, and delivery of cutting-edge mission systems in support of military operations. As we deliver on our commitments, this program will have significant impact on the warfighter. This is an opportunity to make a difference, and being a part of this is a chance to be involved with a truly hands-on approach

This role will be best suited for a recently transitioned O4/O5 or E7/E8 from USMC or NSW (or equivalent tech-focused DoD leader).

What you’ll do

• Lead the design, integration, and fielding of KRAKEN (SATCOM + Mesh + TDL Gateway) into a Polaris M-RZR kit under a 180-day build and test window.
• Directly engage with MCWL, operators, and decision-makers to ensure warfighter-first design.
• Own the rapid prototyping cycle — from mechanical integration to comms/network feature alignment.
• Drive engineering teams to deliver mission-ready systems under tight timelines.
• Report to Fuse’s Business Area Manager for Expeditionary & Rotary Wing Systems; transition to long-term production leadership.
• Serve as the main point of contact for customer PMs and stakeholders, providing regular project updates.
• Track project performance using JIRA and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), ensuring alignment across tasks.
• Identify and mitigate risks across the project lifecycle while maintaining accurate bi-weekly progress updates.
• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and labor allocations, ensuring alignment with contractual scope.
• Contribute to strategic planning, business development, and identifying organic growth opportunities.
• Lead internal meetings, foster team accountability, and support cross-team process alignment.
• Remove team blockers, support execution, and collaborate with the Chief Engineer on technical delivery.
• Provide leadership-level communications and support briefings across cost, schedule, and performance.

Requirements

Who You Are

You’re a driven technical leader and hands-on builder/innovator with a strong foundation in engineering and a track record of delivering in military and/or private-sector environments. You bring a proven ability to think like the user, anticipate field challenges, and get the system across the finish line with direct mission impact in the contested and denied environment for stand-in forces.

We’re looking for someone with:

• An undergraduate degree in Engineering or a closely related technical field
• 2–7 years of experience in an engineering role, including leading cross-functional teams and engaging directly with customers
• Technical background supporting ground vehicle communications system integration, with a focus on military communications systems, systems integration, and the mobile deployment of these capabilities in operational environments. The technical experience associated with USMC is a plus.
• A hands-on background in designing, developing, and deploying complex technical systems
• Experience guiding projects through full lifecycles—from requirements and system design to integration and test
• Familiarity with DoD R&D processes and system development standards
• An understanding of how to plan, execute, and validate requirements through test plans and system demonstrations
• Comfort operating in Agile environments and modern software/hardware development workflows
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a SECRET clearance
• Up to 25% travel for integration/testing

More about Fuse:

Founded in 2010, Fuse is a veteran-owned, rapidly growing small business. Our San Diego-based company has earned recognition as an emerging leader in airborne, maritime, and ground networking.  Placing the warfighter at the center of every design process, Fuse delivers intuitive, agile, and resilient products that go beyond national security requirements—providing lasting utility and game-changing results.  We take pride in our brilliant and talented team as well as our dynamic environment and collaborative, creative, environment.  We build cutting-edge hardware and software products that solve complex national security challenges for our warfighters at the tactical edge. 

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Employee coverage is fully funded; a portion of dependents' coverage is funded as well
• 11 paid Federal Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Date of hire through second year: 10 days/year (accrued)
  • After two years: unlimited
• 40 hours of paid sick leave per year 
• 401k with employer matching 
• Annual bonuses 
• Cell phone reimbursement: $100/month