Product Manager, Defense CBRNe

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

The Product Manager, Defense & CBRNe is responsible for global product lifecycle management of CBRNe detection solutions while supporting growth initiatives in the Defense sector within the Americas. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and market knowledge, ensuring that our products align with mission-critical needs for military and first responder applications. The Product Manager will work closely with Sales, Business Development, Engineering, and Marketing to drive product intelligence, roadmap development, bid support, and full lifecycle sustainment. Success in this role will be measured by profitability, revenue growth, and effective execution of product governance processes.

Responsibilities:

SPECIFIC DUTIES, ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Own and manage the full product lifecycle for global CBRNe detection solutions, from concept to sustainment.
• Develop and execute the product roadmap, ensuring alignment with market needs, customer requirements, and business strategy.
• Conduct market intelligence research, tracking competitors, emerging technologies, and industry trends.
• Support bid development, ensuring that product offerings align with customer procurement requirements and competitive differentiators.
• Define product requirements in collaboration with Engineering & Technology, considering COGS, manufacturability, and operational constraints.
• Lead Product Line Profitability (PLP) governance, delivering gate reviews and driving strategic decision-making.
• Engage with military program offices, DoD stakeholders, and first responder agencies to shape offerings and identify growth opportunities.
• Define Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and use cases for military and emergency response applications.
• Prioritize feature development by determining requirements that win contracts and increase adoption.
• Collaborate with Business Development & Sales to support go-to-market efforts and revenue growth strategies.
• Provide leadership with data-driven recommendations on investments, sustainment, and product evolution.
• Support product sustainment efforts, including VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering), investment recommendations, and product retirement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, operational, and defense acquisition requirements.
• Travel (~20%) for customer engagements, industry events, and internal team collaboration.
• Other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related scientific field is required.

Experience:

• 5 years of product management experience in defense, security, or first responder equipment.

• Led or actively participated in projects encompassing cross-functional teams

• Experience working with DoD procurement processes and government contract requirements.

• Experience engaging with emergency responders, military program offices, or DoD stakeholders.

• Previous military experience in CBRNe operations is a plus.

  Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong understanding of ruggedized CBRNe detection equipment and mission-critical applications.
• Deep knowledge of government funding cycles, acquisition processes, and competitive contracting.
• Ability to analyse market intelligence and translate insights into actionable product strategies.
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), including sustainment, end-of-life planning, and investment strategies.
• Proficiency in defining CONOPS, product use cases, and bid strategies for defence and security markets.
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, sales, and business development teams.
• Strong data-driven decision-making skills with experience in COGS management and product investment planning.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.

This position may require Sensitive Security Information (SSI) access and vetting via the TSA. If required, applicant must successfully pass a federal background investigation.
This position may require a U.S. Personal Security Clearance.

SDI is a Federal Contractor and a drug-free workplace. By submitting an application, I confirm that I understand that the Company has a right to require me to submit to a drug test prior to employment and at any time during my employment, to the extent permitted by law.

Additional Information

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

The compensation for this position ranges from $63,700.00 - $253,500.00/yr and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills, job-related knowledge, and experience. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Smiths Detection provides comprehensive benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation, sick time, parental leave and an employee assistance program. Eligibility requirements apply.

Smiths Detection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity PostersIf you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email [email protected].

If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail [email protected] or call toll-free 877-703-1029. This email and phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Smiths Detection, Inc. participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)