Product Manager, Defense

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking a Product Manager to oversee the defense side of our business. As a Product Manager focusing on defense applications, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our defense-related products and solutions. You will be responsible for defining product strategies, gathering customer requirements, and working closely with cross-functional teams to bring innovative and disruptive products to market. Your work will involve close collaboration with engineering, business development, and external stakeholders to ensure our products meet the specific needs of the defense industry. You will drive the product development lifecycle from concept to launch, ensuring that our solutions not only meet but exceed customer expectations. This role requires a deep understanding of defense market dynamics and customer needs, enabling Whisper Aero to deliver cutting-edge products that transform the defense industry. 

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute product strategies and roadmaps for defense-related products, aligning with company objectives and market opportunities. 
• Conduct comprehensive market and competitive analyses specific to the defense industry, identifying trends, customer needs, and potential opportunities. 
• Engage with defense customers, stakeholders, and end-users to gather requirements, solicit feedback, and ensure products meet or exceed their expectations. 
• Write and manage Product Requirements Documents (PRDs), and collaborate with engineering teams to translate customer needs into Engineering Requirements Documents (ERDs). 
• Work closely with business development and engineering to drive product development and launch activities. 
• Leverage knowledge of existing military standards, specifications, and prior solicitations to inform and drive product requirements, especially in the absence of direct customer input. 
• Develop and implement go-to-market strategies for defense products, including pricing and positioning. 
• Represent Whisper Aero at defense industry events, conferences, and with government agencies to promote our products and gather market feedback. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related STEM field.
• 4 years of experience in product management or program management, preferably within aircraft design in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following roles:
  • Aircraft Designer, focusing on system integration or conceptual development.
  • Requirements Manager, specializing in defining and validating aircraft-level requirements.
  • Pilot, with real-world operational knowledge of aircraft performance and systems.
• Experience working directly with Department of Defense (DoD) customers and programs.
• Comprehensive understanding of defense acquisition processes and regulatory requirements, including FAR, DFARS, and MIL-STD.
• Proven experience in bringing defense products from concept to deployment.
• Strong experience in managing cross-functional teams and coordinating complex projects. 
• Deep understanding of defense market dynamics, customer needs, and regulatory requirements. 
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience interfacing with customers and senior leadership. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful product strategies and go-to-market plans. 
• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. 

Bonus Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Existing active security clearance.
• Familiarity with and experience in applying MIL-STD-1474 
• Experience in product marketing and technical copywriting. 
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies. 
• Strong professional network within the defense industry and government agencies.