The Senior Product Manager – Optics & Defense Systems role exists to align customer mission requirements, product innovation, and manufacturing excellence — ensuring that every system delivered meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and compliance demanded by defense applications. The purpose of the role is to translate complex defense needs into practical, manufacturable, and commercially viable solutions that strengthen the organization’s competitive advantage and support the success of defense and government programs.
Requirements
- Strategic product planning in defense, optics, electro-optics, IIT, and multi-spectral sensor markets.
- Proven success managing optical, electro-optical, or defense product portfolios from concept to production.
- Strong knowledge of defense acquisition processes, DFARS/ITAR compliance, and DoD customer requirements.
- Familiarity with optical design, thermal management, precision machining, and ruggedization for field conditions.
- Proficient in PLM/ERP systems, CAD, and manufacturing process control tools.
- 10+ years of process engineering experience to optimize production methods for precision optical and mechanical assemblies.
- Partner with operations to ensure scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes that meet defense quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001).
Responsibilities
- Define and execute product roadmaps for Soldier borne, weapon borne, optical, and weapon defense systems aligned with corporate strategy, defense market requirements and opportunities and commercialization potential.
- Develop business cases, pricing strategies, and lifecycle management plans that maximize program value and profitability.
- Analyze customer requirements, competitive intelligence, and technology trends to guide R&D priorities.
- Lead cross-functional teams through design, prototyping, testing, and validation of advanced optical and electro-mechanical systems.
- Translate complex technical and operational requirements into clear engineering specifications.
- Implement structured development processes (stage-gate or agile hybrid) ensuring traceability, technical rigor, and documentation compliance.
- Drive innovation in optical design, materials, coatings, and system integration for ruggedized defense applications.
Other
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline (Master’s preferred).
- Defense industry experience required.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to interact with cross-functional teams
- Security clearance (Secret or higher) preferred or ability to obtain clearance.
