Product Manager, Aircraft Payloads

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions. 

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Product Manager for Aircraft payloads will own the modular mission payload systems portfolio including ISR sensors, communications modules, electronic warfare payloads, and future capability expansions.  They will be the strategic and operational lead responsible for defining, executing, and scaling the product vision for current and future payloads across all aircraft categories. This role ensures that PDW payloads meets customer needs, delivers mission readiness and differentiation in global defense markets, and aligns with PDW’s long-term innovation and growth objectives. 

The product manager will collaborate across engineering, operations, program management, GTM, and supply chain teams to guide payload product strategy through the product lifecycle, from capability definition and requirements prioritization to fielding and sustainment. 

What You'll Do

• Define and evolve the payload category vision and roadmap in alignment with PDW’s business strategy and customer needs and operational requirements. 

• Lead market, competitor, and customer analyses to identify opportunities and threats to payload strategy. 

• Define payload SKU strategy and configuration control.  

• Own lifecycle strategy (upgrades, refresh cycle, obsolescence).  

• Develop and maintain comprehensive capability requirements, SWaP-C, user stories, and acceptance criteria for the modular payload ecosystem. 

• Prioritize features, tradeoffs, and investments across hardware, and software for the modular payload ecosystem. 

• Partner with systems engineering to ensure requirements are technically feasible, testable, and aligned with pertinent standards (NDAA/Blue UAS compliance) 

• Serve as the primary product liaison to Engineering, Program Management, Test & Flight Operations, and Operations teams. 

• Partner with GTM to gather voice-of-the-customer feedback, identify product gaps and product improvements, and product use cases. 

• Apply proper data marking, access control, and distribution practices. 

• Support audits, customer reviews, and regulatory interactions as needed. 

Requirements

• Background in Product Management, Engineering, Systems Design, or related field. 

• 7+ years’ experience in product management or product ownership in consumer, aerospace, defense systems, or unmanned systems. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of UAS product domains and mission requirements. 

• Strong technical acumen in electro-mechanical systems, software platforms, and modular payload architectures. 

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence technical and business stakeholders. 
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. 

Preferred 

• Experience with Group 2/Class I–II UAS or equivalent tactical aviation systems. 

• Background in user-centered design, operational testing, and iterative product development. 

Physical Requirements  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine shop equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). 

Work Environment  

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE) and may require occasional travel to test sites/customer locations/supplier facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.  

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.