Product Development Lead

Unusual MachinesOrlando, FL

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Overview

Schedule

Full-time

Career level

Director

Remote

Hybrid remote

Benefits

Retirement Savings

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Job Description

You in This Role. You’ve built your career bringing hardware products to life—from early concepts through real-world performance—and what sets you apart is your ability to keep complex development efforts moving forward without losing structure or momentum.

You don’t just manage projects—you own them. You bring clarity to ambiguity, prioritize effectively across multiple workstreams, and ensure nothing stalls. You’re equally comfortable delegating to a team as you are stepping in hands-on to solve problems, validate performance, or push a project across the finish line.

You operate at the intersection of engineering, supply chain, and real-world product use. You understand how field performance, testing data, and component constraints translate into product decisions. Teams rely on you to connect the dots, drive alignment, and deliver results.

You are organized, technically credible, and execution-focused. You thrive in fast-moving environments where processes are still being built, and you take pride in creating structure where it doesn’t yet exist.

A Day in the Life

Every day will look different, but you’ll spend your time:

Managing and prioritizing multiple active product development projects simultaneously

Delegating work across Product Development Specialists while maintaining full visibility into progress

Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, and Product Application (field) teams

Translating field feedback and testing data into clear product improvements

Coordinating BOM changes, component substitutions, and supplier-related updates

Overseeing structured testing, including both bench and real-world validation

Identifying and removing bottlenecks to keep development efforts moving

Balancing speed and execution with proper validation and quality standards

Stepping in hands-on when needed to troubleshoot, test, or drive progress

Building structure, processes, and systems to improve development efficiency

What You’ll Do

Own and organize all active product development efforts across multiple product lines

Lead and coordinate Product Development Specialists to ensure execution and accountability

Establish clear prioritization across competing projects and deadlines

Drive cross-functional collaboration between Engineering, Procurement, and Field teams

Own the validation, standardization, and implementation of product changes

Develop and implement structured testing and validation processes

Translate real-world product performance into actionable development decisions

Manage BOM updates, component changes, and supply chain-driven adjustments

Support new product development as well as ongoing product improvements and revisions

Build scalable processes for managing product changes from field feedback through production

Must-Have Skills

Hardware product development experience (electronics strongly preferred)

Strong project/program management and prioritization skills

Experience leading or coordinating cross-functional teams

Ability to manage multiple fast-moving projects simultaneously

Experience with BOM management, component changes, and substitutions

Strong cross-functional communication and alignment skills

Ability to translate testing data and field feedback into product improvements

Hands-on problem-solving mindset with willingness to engage at the execution level

Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-changing environments

Strong organizational skills with a focus on execution and accountability

Nice to Have

Experience in the drone or FPV industry

Familiarity with RF systems, motors, batteries, or camera systems

Experience working with overseas manufacturers and suppliers

Hands-on product testing, prototyping, or build experience

Experience with QA/QC, validation, and testing processes

Background in consumer electronics, robotics, or similar hardware industries

Example Projects

Validating motor, ESC, and battery systems against performance targets

Managing camera revisions, including sensor upgrades and housing improvements

Replacing discontinued components across multiple SKUs

Supporting development of new drone platforms or subsystems

Converting field-reported issues into validated and implemented product changes

Challenges in This Role

Operating in an environment where processes are still being built

Managing multiple fast-moving projects with competing priorities

Coordinating across teams without direct authority

Balancing speed of execution with proper validation and testing

Travel & Work Structure

Hybrid role with some in-person collaboration required

Occasional travel for manufacturer visits, testing, or industry events

What You’ll Gain

Ownership of the product development function and its structure

Direct impact on real, performance-driven hardware products

Opportunity to build systems and processes from the ground up

High visibility across engineering, product, and leadership teams

A critical role in shaping product quality, performance, and speed to market

This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who thrives in ambiguity, drives execution, and wants to build a scalable product development engine while working on real-world hardware products.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation package
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision
401(k)
Unlimited PTO
Catered lunches for all employees every day of the week
Employee product discounts

About Us

Unusual Machines is a U.S.-based drone and drone parts company focused on the small and First-Person View (FPV) segments of the drone market. Our brands - Rotor Riot and Fat Shark - are two of the most respected names in FPV and have helped shape the industry through e-commerce, product development, and a deep connection with the pilot community.

We’re expanding into enterprise and defense - bringing our obsessive attention to performance, design, and U.S.-based manufacturing into high-stakes environments like search and rescue, STEM education, and military innovation. With several of our products already approved by the Defense Innovation Unit, we’re solving procurement issues for customers who demand speed, agility, and compliance.

If you love working at the intersection of community, content, and cutting-edge technology, you’ll feel right at home here.

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Unusual Machines participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

We unfortunately cannot offer visa sponsorship for this position.

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FAQs About Product Development Lead Jobs at Unusual Machines

What is the work location for this position at Unusual Machines?

This job at Unusual Machines is located in Orlando, FL, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.

What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Unusual Machines?

Employer has not shared pay details for this role.

What employment applies to this position at Unusual Machines?

Unusual Machines lists this role as a Full-time position.

What experience level is required for this role at Unusual Machines?

Unusual Machines is looking for a candidate with "Director" experience level.

What benefits are offered by Unusual Machines for this role?

Unusual Machines offers following benefits: Retirement Savings, Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, Vision Insurance, Unlimited or Flexible PTO, and Paid Time Off for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.

What is the process to apply for this position at Unusual Machines?

You can apply for this role at Unusual Machines either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.