Product Manager, Aircraft Payloads

PDW • Huntsville, AL

28d • Hybrid

About The Position

PDW is seeking a Product Manager for Aircraft Payloads to own the modular mission payload systems portfolio, including ISR sensors, communications modules, electronic warfare payloads, and future capability expansions. This role is the strategic and operational lead responsible for defining, executing, and scaling the product vision for current and future payloads across all aircraft categories. The Product Manager will ensure PDW payloads meet customer needs, deliver mission readiness and differentiation in global defense markets, and align with PDW’s long-term innovation and growth objectives. The Product Manager will collaborate across engineering, operations, program management, GTM, and supply chain teams to guide payload product strategy through the product lifecycle, from capability definition and requirements prioritization to fielding and sustainment.

Requirements

• Background in Product Management, Engineering, Systems Design, or related field.
• 7+ years’ experience in product management or product ownership in consumer, aerospace, defense systems, or unmanned systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UAS product domains and mission requirements.
• Strong technical acumen in electro-mechanical systems, software platforms, and modular payload architectures.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence technical and business stakeholders.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Group 2/Class I–II UAS or equivalent tactical aviation systems.
• Background in user-centered design, operational testing, and iterative product development.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the payload category vision and roadmap in alignment with PDW’s business strategy and customer needs and operational requirements.
• Lead market, competitor, and customer analyses to identify opportunities and threats to payload strategy.
• Define payload SKU strategy and configuration control.
• Own lifecycle strategy (upgrades, refresh cycle, obsolescence).
• Develop and maintain comprehensive capability requirements, SWaP-C, user stories, and acceptance criteria for the modular payload ecosystem.
• Prioritize features, tradeoffs, and investments across hardware, and software for the modular payload ecosystem.
• Partner with systems engineering to ensure requirements are technically feasible, testable, and aligned with pertinent standards (NDAA/Blue UAS compliance).
• Serve as the primary product liaison to Engineering, Program Management, Test & Flight Operations, and Operations teams.
• Partner with GTM to gather voice-of-the-customer feedback, identify product gaps and product improvements, and product use cases.
• Apply proper data marking, access control, and distribution practices.
• Support audits, customer reviews, and regulatory interactions as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed