Principal Product Manager Aerospace Defense

IFS; Orange (CA); Remote; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Aerospace and Defense is seeking an experienced Product Manager to shape product strategy and lead cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will drive investment planning and enhance product offerings, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer feedback. This role is critical in defining product roadmaps and executing strategies, making it essential for candidates to have a robust background in A&D along with exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Benefits

Flexible paid time off

Medical, dental, & vision insurance

401K with Company contribution

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• 10+ years relevant experience with increasing responsibilities in A&D industry.
• Proven experience in bringing defense products from concept to deployment.
• Comprehensive understanding of defense acquisition processes and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute product strategies and roadmaps for defense-related products.
• Conduct market and competitive analyses specific to the defense industry.
• Engage with defense customers and stakeholders to gather requirements and feedback.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Market Analysis

Product Strategy

Education

Degree in Software Engineering or related STEM field

MBA

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Product Manager to join our team as we develop cutting-edge AI-based Aerospace & Defense software solutions. In this role, you will be responsible for the identification of investment cases, working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to lead investment planning and evangelizing the product vision.

As a Product Manager, you will drive product strategy and roadmap planning, considering market trends, competitor analysis, and customer feedback. You will collaborate with engineering teams to prioritize features and help provide clarity on investment themes. Additionally, you will be responsible for defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success and make data-driven decisions.

The preferred candidate will have a strong background in the A&D industry, with experience in defense manufacturing and supply chain, having worked with a defense vendor/OEM. The candidate will also have experience with the use of software in the A&D industry, understanding government technology acquisition processes, and the regulations and compliance around it. Exceptional communication and leadership skills are crucial for this role, as you will be responsible for leading cross-functional teams and presenting product updates to stakeholders.

As a Product Manager in Aerospace and Defense, you will report into the VP of Product Management, A&D and you are responsible for:

• Developing and executing product strategies and roadmaps for defense-related products, aligning with company objectives and market opportunities.
• Conducting comprehensive market and competitive analyses specific to the defense industry, identifying trends, customer needs, and building business cases for potential opportunities.
• Engaging with defense customers, stakeholders, and end-users to gather requirements, solicit feedback, and ensure products meet or exceed their expectations.
• Leveraging knowledge of existing defense standards, specifications, and prior solicitations to inform and drive product requirements.
• Collaborating with engineering and design teams to prioritize features and help guide product development.
• Defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success.
• Working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive transparency and enablement of product updates and roadmap plans.
• Helping develop and implement go-to-market strategies for defense products, including pricing and positioning.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

• Degree in Software Engineering, or a related STEM field; MBA is a plus
• 10+ years relevant experience with increasing responsibilities – A&D industry experience necessary, working with a defense manufacturer/contractor
• Proven experience in bringing defense products from concept to deployment
• Experience working with Department of Defense (DoD), military contractors, or other government agencies.
• Comprehensive understanding of defense acquisition processes and regulatory requirements, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, MIL-STD and FedRamp etc. A good understanding of government reporting requirements is also required.
• Deep experience in managing through influence and driving results through cross functional teams
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience interfacing with customers and senior leadership.
• US Citizenship required
• This role is able to be located 100% remote within the US with 15-20% travel

What We’re Offering

• Salary Range: $150,000-$180,000 plus 15% bonus potential
• Flexible paid time off, including sick and holiday
• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401K with Company contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Tuition assistance
• Community involvement and volunteering events

Additional Information

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Equal Opportunity Employer