Product Line Director

Attalon, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Attalon, Inc. is seeking a Product Line Director in Philadelphia to lead the strategy and lifecycle of a designated product line in the Aerospace & Defense sector. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of product management experience, a strong background in managing technical programs, and excellent communication skills. This role involves leading a local Program Management team and ensuring alignment with corporate standards, making it critical for the company's success in advanced optical technologies.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in product management, program management, or leading technical programs in Aerospace & Defense.
• 6+ years leading program, product management or technical development teams.
• Experience with developing product strategies and financial plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and lifecycle execution of a designated product line.
• Manage product lifecycle activities from concept to end-of-life.
• Develop strong customer relationships through exceptional program execution.

Skills

Product management

Program management

Technical leadership

Strong communication

Customer relationship management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance or related field

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance or related field

Job description

Product Line Director

Attalon, Inc. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

About this position

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high‑energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Attalon, located in Northeast Philadelphia, specializes in the manufacture of precision patterned optics, calibration grids, reticles, and specialty patterned products for the commercial and defense markets. The Philadelphia site is located in close proximity to major highways and transportation hubs, providing easy access to the surrounding Bucks County and Center City Philadelphia areas. The Greater Philadelphia area is a dynamic economic hub that combines world‑class healthcare, education, and industrial sectors with rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, making it an ideal region for both career advancement and quality living.

Job Summary

The Product Line Director (PLD) is responsible for leading the strategy, financial performance, and lifecycle execution of a designated product line serving the Aerospace & Defense industry. This role provides hands‑on leadership of the local Program Management team while also serving as a corporate leader among peers across multiple Attalon sites. The PLD helps establish and reinforce corporate program and program management standards, ensuring alignment with industry best practices. Success requires a player‑coach mindset, balancing execution with broader organizational guidance and collaboration. The role offers exposure to the business leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the product line strategy aligned for products in Precision Coatings Segment.
• Ensure strategy is aligned with Attalon’s objectives and customer needs.
• Lead creation and execution of product roadmaps, including capability evolution, release planning, and investment priorities.
• Manage full product lifecycle activities from concept to end‑of‑life, including product improvements and portfolio optimization.
• Develop strong customer relationships and build customer trust through exceptional program execution and product performance.
• Serve as a leader among peers across sites, defining, improving, and enforcing corporate program and product management standards.
• Drive alignment across teams via consistent processes, tools, metrics, and reporting frameworks.
• Act as a player‑coach directly managing the local Program Management team while occasionally performing Program Management duties on assigned programs.
• Maintain responsibility for product financial performance including pricing, revenue, margin, bookings, and demand forecasts.
• Track KPIs and lead data‑driven performance reviews.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain and Quality to ensure product success.
• Support capture activities, proposals and customer engagements.
• Partner with senior leadership on long‑range planning and investment strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in product management, program management, or leading technical programs in Aerospace & Defense manufacturing business.
• 6+ years leading program, product management or technical development teams.
• Experience with developing product strategies, roadmaps, and financial plans.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a matrixed environment.
• Strong communication skills with ability to brief senior leadership.
• Ability to travel for customer visits and cross‑site meetings.
• Ability to receive a SECRET security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in product or program management.
• Formal Program Management Certification.
• Experience mentoring or coaching peer professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to “lead by influence.”

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.