Principal Product Manager – Aerospace, Government and Defense

Internal Title: Principal Product Manager – Aerospace, Government and Defense

External Title: Principal Product Manager – Aerospace, Government and Defense

Job code: 082110 - US1

Level: P5 (Principal)

Location: Washington DC

NSA: Must be a US citizen and located in the US

ABOUT WIND RIVER

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.

Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defence, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company’s software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world.  Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We’ve achieved recent 5G milestones including the world’s first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.

The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a “Top Workplace” for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.

Wind River Systems, a subsidiary of Aptiv PLC, is a California-based software company which develops embedded systems and cloud software consisting of real time operating systems (RTOS), industry-specific software, simulation technology, development tools and middleware.

This new business unit will re-sell Wind River products to be used by or for the U.S. government customers. These products may be delivered through the professional services organizations of Wind River Systems (case of unclassified programs) or via the Wind River business (in the case of classified programs).

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Wind River is a leading innovator in the Aerospace, Government, and Defense industries, delivering cutting-edge technologies and solutions to national and international clients. We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Product Manager to join our team and lead strategic product initiatives that directly impact the future of the defense and aerospace sectors.

The Product Manager will be responsible for driving the end-to-end lifecycle of innovative product solutions in the Aerospace, Government, and Defense sectors and ensure our product roadmap aligns to help our customers achieve their goals. This includes overseeing product development, strategic planning, market analysis, and ensuring seamless product delivery. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in both product management and the aerospace/defense industries, particularly in navigating complex government contracting and compliance environments.

ABOUT YOU

• Manage the requirements -the what and why- specific to Wind River’s products for the Aerospace, Government, and Defense markets.
• Collaborate with the Product Management team to prioritize the needs to drive business outcome.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and government stakeholders, to define product requirements, features, and specifications.
• Develop and execute comprehensive product roadmaps and timelines aligned with the strategic goals of the organization and its clients.
• Conduct market research and analysis to understand customer needs, competitive landscape, and emerging trends in the defense and aerospace sectors.
• Work closely with customers (government agencies, defense contractors, etc.) to understand their requirements and ensure product offerings meet their mission-critical objectives.
• Inform on compliance needs with all applicable defense and aerospace regulations, standards, and certifications (e.g., ITAR, DFARS, etc.).
• Drive the creation of detailed product documentation, business cases, and cost-benefit analyses.

Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in product management, preferably within Aerospace, Defense, or Government contracting.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with edge software.
• Good understanding of RTOS, Linux, and general hardware enablement.
• Proven track record of managing and delivering complex products in regulated industries.
• Deep understanding of government procurement processes, contracting, and compliance.
• Experience working with Department of Defense (DoD), military contractors, or other government agencies.
• Familiarity with defense and aerospace product standards (e.g., MIL-STD, AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of technologies and trends within the aerospace and defense industries (e.g., UAVs, advanced aerospace systems, defense technology).

Skills:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact with senior executives and government stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and make decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Proven ability to define clear product strategies, roadmaps, and timelines.
• Proficient in product management tools and techniques (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Agile methodologies).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in strategic partnership management with defense contractors or government agencies.
• Familiarity with the defense procurement process and regulations such as ITAR, EAR, and DFARS.
• Active Security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) is highly desirable.

COMPENSATION                

The annual base salary range for this role’s listed grade level is $168000 to $252000 plus a bonus for Washington, DC, residents. Salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. Employees in this role are also eligible for the following benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's plans: health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, flex time off, eligibility to enroll in 401k, and 12 paid holidays

BENEFITS

• Named Top Workplace for the 8th year in a row
• Wind River’s commitment to DEIB
• 100% Employee covered Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance*
• Flexible Time Off policy* + 12 observed Holidays
• 401K with company match *
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) *
• Wellness Benefits through Unmind