Product Manager - Defense Tech Software

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Product Manager — Defense Technology Software</strong></h3> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Arlington, VA (In-Person)<br><strong>Travel:</strong> Up to 40%<br><strong>Compensation:</strong> $200,000+ Total Compensation</p> <hr> <h3><strong>About the Role</strong></h3> <p>Our defense technology software client is seeking a <strong>growth-oriented Product Manager</strong> to lead high-impact initiatives across three core areas:</p> <ol> <li> <strong>Product expansion with U.S. Navy customers</strong> </li> <li> <p><strong>Integration of new capabilities</strong> into existing applications across the platform</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Support of commercial teams</strong> by shipping best-in-class platforms to users</p> </li> </ol> <p>This is an <strong>individual contributor role</strong> focused on true <strong>0-to-1 product development</strong>. You will act as the product owner, accountable for identifying critical customer problems and delivering <strong>differentiated, scalable solutions end-to-end</strong>.</p> <p>Product Managers in this organization operate as the <strong>"tip of the spear"</strong>—working directly with customers, implementation teams, and sales to deeply understand user needs and translate them into production-ready workflows and capabilities. Success in this role is measured by <strong>market adoption and customer impact</strong>.</p> <h3><strong>Responsibilities</strong></h3> <h3><strong>Customer Discovery &amp; Product Strategy</strong></h3> <ul> <li><p>Embed with customers to uncover pain points and identify opportunities for new product workflows</p></li> <li><p>Translate customer needs into clear product requirements and value propositions</p></li> <li><p>Evaluate product investments required to support successful sales and customer outcomes</p></li> <li><p>Communicate platform capabilities and configuration options to prospective customers</p></li> </ul> <h3><strong>Product Development &amp; Delivery</strong></h3> <ul> <li><p>Design, specify, prototype, and launch new workflows and features into full production</p></li> <li><p>Own initiatives from concept through release and ongoing iteration</p></li> <li><p>Partner closely with engineering and data science teams to scope effort, timelines, and feasibility</p></li> <li><p>Ensure delivery aligns with contractual commitments and business objectives</p></li> </ul> <h3><strong>Go-To-Market &amp; Commercial Support</strong></h3> <ul> <li><p>Partner with sales to assess opportunities and align customer requirements with product roadmap</p></li> <li><p>Assist with scoping, pricing, and contract capture efforts</p></li> <li><p>Facilitate market introduction of new capabilities while balancing risk, cost, and speed</p></li> <li><p>Ensure smooth integration of prototyped features across customer accounts</p></li> </ul> <h3><strong>Typical Weekly Activities</strong></h3> <ul> <li><p>Spend significant time on-site with users to observe workflows and gather feedback</p></li> <li><p>Collaborate with sales to evaluate deal-specific product needs</p></li> <li><p>Define business cases for new product investments</p></li> <li><p>Draft compelling narratives describing customer problems and proposed solutions</p></li> <li><p>Engage directly with prospective customers to explain platform value and flexibility</p></li> </ul> <h3><strong>Scope of Responsibilities</strong></h3> <ul> <li><p>Identify and evaluate new product features through direct customer engagement</p></li> <li><p>Define addressable market size, competitive landscape, and near-term revenue opportunities</p></li> <li><p>Validate concepts using <strong>Value Proposition Canvas</strong> and <strong>Business Model Canvas</strong> frameworks</p></li> <li><p>Build and defend prioritization decisions with internal stakeholders</p></li> <li><p>Coordinate cross-functional execution to deliver scalable, production-ready solutions</p></li> </ul> <h3><strong>Requirements</strong></h3> <h3><strong>Must-Haves</strong></h3> <ul> <li><p>U.S. Citizenship</p></li> <li><p>Bachelor's degree in a business or technology-related field</p></li> <li><p>5+ years of experience in a product or software role</p></li> <li><p>Experience with enterprise software (B2B or B2G)</p></li> <li><p>Strong customer value orientation and ownership mindset</p></li> <li><p>Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments</p></li> <li><p>Exceptional written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization</p></li> </ul> <h3><strong>Nice-to-Haves</strong></h3> <ul> <li><p>Active U.S. security clearance, or ability to obtain one with sponsorship</p></li> <li><p>Experience working in or around the Department of Defense</p></li> <li><p>Startup or entrepreneurial environment experience</p></li> <li><p>Full product lifecycle ownership (idea through production and maintenance)</p></li> <li><p>Familiarity with Value Proposition Canvas and/or Business Model Canvas frameworks</p></li> <li><p>Advanced degree in a business or technical field</p></li> </ul>