Product Manager – Flight Test

Responsibilities:

• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement: 
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to align product capabilities with current and emerging DoD and commercial flight test requirements. 
• Translate customer needs into product features, capabilities, and tailorable service configurations. 
• Act as a product advocate and subject matter expert in meetings with government sponsors, prime contractors, and internal leadership. 


• Product Development & Strategy:
• Define and shape flight test capabilities, including capability roadmaps, value propositions, and technical requirements. 
• Work closely with engineering, business development, and leadership teams to align product strategy with customer needs and mission objectives. 
• Build connectivity to external technologies and partners that support B2B product relationships. 
• Monitor competitors, partners, and technologies to inform roadmap decisions.  


• Proposal Development & Execution: 
• Lead preparation of technical proposals, statements of work (SOWs), and pricing strategies for government and DoD customers. 
• Coordinate capture activities, ensure compliance with solicitation requirements, and support customer briefings. 
• Manage schedules and resource planning based on proposal scope. 
• Assist finance with pricing and overall proposal execution. 


• Contract Transition & Customer Engagement: 
• Assist in transitioning R&D projects onto established government/DoD contract vehicles. 
• Engage with government program offices and contracting teams to support successful award and execution. 


• Supplier Management & Sourcing: 
• Develop strategic supplier relationships to improve product offerings and win rates. 
• Oversee subcontractor technical contributions, deliverables, and integration into product efforts. 


• Cross-Functional Leadership: 
• Serve as the primary interface between engineering, operations, and business development teams to ensure alignment on objectives. 
• Monitor progress against milestones, manage risks, and communicate updates to internal leadership and external stakeholders. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, Electrical Engineering or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in product management, program management, or engineering leadership within aerospace, defense, or advanced R&D sectors.
• Proven track record in defining and delivering aerospace/flight test products and capabilities. 
• Experience writing technical proposals, developing SOWs, and managing pricing strategies. 
• Experience with civil and military flight approvals and operations at DoD ranges.  
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, contracting vehicles, and customer engagement. 
• Strong supplier management, sourcing, and subcontractor oversight experience. 
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills. 
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. 
• Demonstrated success in building relationships with government stakeholders and industry partners. 
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Master's degree in Engineering.
• TS/SCI clearance.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based role with frequent interaction across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
• May require occasional presence in manufacturing, hangar, or test environments where exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts is possible.
• Work is generally performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, but travel between facilities or to suppliers/customers may be required (up to 30%).
• Standard business hours with occasional evening or weekend work to meet program deadlines or support test activities.
• Regular use of computers, teleconferencing tools, and standard office equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
• Frequent communication with team members, requiring clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 lbs (e.g., product samples, documentation, equipment).
• Ability to safely enter and move around industrial, production, or testing areas, including climbing stairs, bending, or wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support suppliers, customers, and program reviews.