Technical Product Manager : Airborne Ew

Saab; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and security company in South Africa is seeking a Technical Product Manager responsible for managing the lifecycle of airborne electronic warfare products. You will ensure product integrity, develop system requirements, and support marketing efforts. Candidates should have extensive experience in defense EW, strong leadership skills, and a relevant engineering qualification. This role promises a dynamic working environment that fosters innovation and security.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years Systems Engineering Management experience.
• Proficient presentation, oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience in the defense EW environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure technical integrity of products throughout their lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain system requirements and specifications.
• Conduct robustness and limit testing using defined methods.

Skills

Strong management and leadership skills

Problem-solving

Excellent communication skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation and conflict-resolution

Education

B Engineering or equivalent tertiary qualification

Relevant System Engineering courses

PM / TPM courses

Tools

DOORS

DOORS Tools

Job description

The Technical Product Manager (TPM) : Airborne EW is responsible for designing and supporting competitive products that meet and exceed market and end‑user requirements throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Your role

The TPM ensures the technical integrity of baseline products in the Product Life Cycle Management (PLCM) process by capturing, verifying and validating results to maintain and support current generation products and establish new baseline products utilizing emerging technologies.

Product Requirements

Determine product requirements through information gathering using portfolio vision, the product strategy from the product plan, customers, marketing etc. Compare trends and remain up to date with relevant technologies within SAAB and in the open market and provide feedback and guidance to Product Managers and Technical Design Authorities. Influence the technical product roadmap by providing proposed solutions by introduction of new technologies, product re‑use and adaptation.

Product Roadmap and Management

Participate in drafting such technical development product roadmaps and influence the Product Manager, TDA's and other key stakeholders in terms of prioritization and funding of product roadmaps. Adapt system requirements based on the approved roadmap. Advise Product Manager on make‑or‑buy product recommendations. Technical Management – ensure a relevant set of management plans for the product including System Engineering Management Plan, Test & Evaluation Management Plan, Logistic Support Plan, Configuration Management Plan, Quality Management Plan etc.

System Requirements

Develop, maintain and baseline a set of generic system requirements including System Requirement Specifications, Interface Requirements, Subsystem Requirements, Installation Requirements, Environmental Requirements, Logistic Requirements, etc., all to be captured in DOORS and ensure customer projects use the generic content to the extent possible. Develop, maintain and baseline a set of generic acceptance tests and results.

Testing & Evaluation

Conduct robustness and limit testing using Target System Test opportunities. Review Target System Test & Evaluation Master Plans. Provide Target Systems Support by assisting with initial planning for new programs, supporting allocated target project teams, influencing system demonstrations & trials planning, and participate in customer reviews and audits. Review and co‑sign subsystem requirement specifications and deviations. Ensure full requirement traceability between System to Software and LRU/SRUs, and between project specification and system requirement specification.

Lifecycle & Technical Tasks

Manage lifecycle processes, including obsolescence management and end of production. Oversee day‑to‑day technical tasks and activities related to the R&D assignment, project adaptations, bug‑fixing and maintenance. Provide accurate costings for R&D tasks, new equipment development, project adaptations, bug‑fixes, interface adaptations for consolidation by the Product Manager.

Marketing & Sales Support

Technical Support to Marketing and Sales. Serve as the point of contact for technical marketing support. Provide inputs for technical proposals, including system architecture, compliance, NRE requirements and system integration cost estimates. Develop and maintain a reference set of marketing technical documentation in conjunction with the Product Manager. Provide input for marketing brochure content, including the scope of ILS packages and after‑sales support.

After Sales & Vendor Relations

Technical After Sales Support – analyse reported problems and recommend solutions. Provide technical support to the Customer Support department by offering inputs and guidance for long‑term planning and addressing customer‑related issues including retrofits, training, and upgrades. Client Relations – support system engineers by addressing queries and gathering feedback. Provide technical support for proposals, presentations and training sessions. Ensure effective internal client relations by providing technical assistance. Vendor Relations: of strategic IDAS LRUs – identify, evaluate and maintain relationships with key vendors of third‑party LRUs. Support strategic procurement in the negotiation of contracts, continuously monitor performance and collaborate on technology integrations together with these vendors. Assist in resolving vendor‑related technical problems.

Qualifications & Experience

Specialist knowledge, extensive experience and background in the defense EW environment (Airborne EW: Radar Warning, Missile Warning, Laser Warning and Countermeasures). Experience with Model‑Based System Engineering approach and concepts. Proven track record of successful product development and execution. Strong management and leadership skills. Excellent team‑building, problem‑solving, negotiation and conflict‑resolution skills. Proficient presentation, oral and written communication skills. Strategic thinking ability. Commitment to ensuring the longevity of delivered customer products. Excellent communication skills aimed at team collaboration and providing the best technical solutions. Practical experience – minimum of eight years Systems Engineering Management with customer project experience. Proficiency with DOORS, DOORS Tools and active participation in the SGD Requirements Management Plan. Qualification: an applicable Engineering qualification (B Engineering or equivalent tertiary qualification). Relevant System Engineering courses. PM / TPM courses (advantageous). Analyse and interpret data. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to influence people.

What you will be a part of – SGD has reinforced its position as a leading South African defence and security company, bringing capabilities including electronic warfare systems, sensor technology, training systems, avionics, security and support solutions to the African and international markets. These capabilities are supplied and supported over the air, land, sea and civil security domains. With new and improved technological systems and solutions, SGD increases a country's defence capabilities and provides innovative, effective products and services for those tasked to maintain security. The company also works with various stakeholders in gathering data and providing insight into how security threats evolve, and what the best market‑customised solutions are.

If you aspire to help create and innovate whilst developing yourself in a challenging team setting, Saab may well have the perfect conditions for you to grow. We pride ourselves on a nurturing environment, where everyone is different yet we share the same goal – to help protect people. SGD will give preference to South African citizens and we also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds. Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not received feedback from us within 30 days after the closing date. Regardless of whether you value cutting‑edge technology, creativity or an innovative environment, everyone at Saab contributes to keeping people and society safe.

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