Product Manager - Defense Tech Software

Product Manager — Defense Technology Software

Location: Arlington, VA (In-Person)Travel: Up to 40%Compensation: $200,000+ Total Compensation

About the Role

Our defense technology software client is seeking a growth-oriented Product Manager to lead high-impact initiatives across three core areas:

1. Product expansion with U.S. Navy customers

2. Integration of new capabilities into existing applications across the platform

3. Support of commercial teams by shipping best-in-class platforms to users

This is an individual contributor role focused on true 0-to-1 product development. You will act as the product owner, accountable for identifying critical customer problems and delivering differentiated, scalable solutions end-to-end.

Product Managers in this organization operate as the "tip of the spear"—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 market adoption and customer impact.

Responsibilities

Customer Discovery & Product Strategy

• Embed with customers to uncover pain points and identify opportunities for new product workflows

• Translate customer needs into clear product requirements and value propositions

• Evaluate product investments required to support successful sales and customer outcomes

• Communicate platform capabilities and configuration options to prospective customers

Product Development & Delivery

• Design, specify, prototype, and launch new workflows and features into full production

• Own initiatives from concept through release and ongoing iteration

• Partner closely with engineering and data science teams to scope effort, timelines, and feasibility

• Ensure delivery aligns with contractual commitments and business objectives

Go-To-Market & Commercial Support

• Partner with sales to assess opportunities and align customer requirements with product roadmap

• Assist with scoping, pricing, and contract capture efforts

• Facilitate market introduction of new capabilities while balancing risk, cost, and speed

• Ensure smooth integration of prototyped features across customer accounts

Typical Weekly Activities

• Spend significant time on-site with users to observe workflows and gather feedback

• Collaborate with sales to evaluate deal-specific product needs

• Define business cases for new product investments

• Draft compelling narratives describing customer problems and proposed solutions

• Engage directly with prospective customers to explain platform value and flexibility

Scope of Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate new product features through direct customer engagement

• Define addressable market size, competitive landscape, and near-term revenue opportunities

• Validate concepts using Value Proposition Canvas and Business Model Canvas frameworks

• Build and defend prioritization decisions with internal stakeholders

• Coordinate cross-functional execution to deliver scalable, production-ready solutions

Requirements

Must-Haves

• U.S. Citizenship

• Bachelor's degree in a business or technology-related field

• 5+ years of experience in a product or software role

• Experience with enterprise software (B2B or B2G)

• Strong customer value orientation and ownership mindset

• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization

Nice-to-Haves

• Active U.S. security clearance, or ability to obtain one with sponsorship

• Experience working in or around the Department of Defense

• Startup or entrepreneurial environment experience

• Full product lifecycle ownership (idea through production and maintenance)

• Familiarity with Value Proposition Canvas and/or Business Model Canvas frameworks

• Advanced degree in a business or technical field