Product Development Manager (Unmanned Systems)

TL;DR

Product Development Manager (Unmanned Systems): Acting as the link between corporate strategy and engineering execution across subsidiaries developing drones and unmanned vehicles with an accent on process implementation, dependency mapping, and schedule alignment. Focus on tailoring standardized frameworks to subsidiary sprints, facilitating phase-gate reviews, and identifying shared resource opportunities.

Location: Must be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (ITAR/EAR restrictions, no sponsorship). Onsite presence required for facility navigation, inspections, and equipment handling.

Company

Parent company overseeing subsidiaries like Teal Drones, FlightWave, Blue Ops, and Apium in unmanned systems development.

What you will do

• Tailor standardized practices (Phase-Gate, NPI, PRDs) to subsidiary engineering sprints.
• Advise Product Managers at subsidiaries on technical blockers and resource constraints.
• Map dependencies for shared wins, like integrating components across teams.
• Manage mid-level milestones feeding into the Red Cat Integrated Master Schedule.
• Lead preparation for phase-gate reviews with executive documentation.
• Mentor Associate Product Manager on reporting and research tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in technical, product, or project management field (or 8-10 years related experience).
• 4–6 years in product/technical program management focused on hardware-software integration.
• Experience implementing Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid lifecycles.
• Ability to collaborate with engineering teams across business units.
• Knowledge of UAV/USV components, GCS software, sensor payloads, vehicle dynamics.
• Advanced Jira, Confluence, and portfolio tools (Smartsheet, MS Project).
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence (ITAR/EAR compliance, no sponsorship).

Nice to have

• Experience in Unmanned Systems (UAV/USV) or Robotics.
• Background in Defense (DoD) or Public Safety sectors.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 standards.

Culture & Benefits

• EEO employer prohibiting discrimination.
• Background check required post-offer.
• E-Verify participation for work eligibility.