Software Product Manger

As a Software Product Manager at Auria Space, your primary responsibilities will include overseeing a development team to ensure that applications effectively meet the needs of the United States Space Force. You'll set project objectives, manage technical backlogs, and ensure that the applications are developed on schedule to meet the demands of the Combined Space Operations Center and other defense initiatives. This role also involves conveying complex technical ideas to government leaders, ensuring alignment between user needs and product capabilities.

To qualify for the Software Product Manager role at Auria Space, you should possess at least 10 years of relevant industry experience, including 5 years in a Product Manager capacity leading application development teams. A background in supporting DoD software development programs is essential, along with a Secret clearance (TS preferred). Having a degree in management, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, or a related field is also necessary. Proven skills in managing technical backlogs and translating user requirements into software solutions are vital.

When you join Auria Space as a Software Product Manager, you'll enjoy a multitude of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal growth. This includes a generous PTO package with annual accrual increases, flexible work hours, and 11 company-paid holidays per year. Additionally, you'll receive an employer-matched 401(k), tuition assistance for personal development, low-cost health insurance options, and life insurance coverage. Our commitment to employee well-being extends to various programs and resources that foster a supportive work environment.

At Auria Space, the Software Product Manager will lead projects focused on developing advanced applications that enhance Space Domain Awareness and C2 Warfighter capabilities for the United States Space Force. You will work on solutions that empower teams at the Combined Space Operations Center, 18th Space Control Squadron, and the National Space Defense Center. Each project aims to improve operational efficiency and ensure mission success in dynamic environments through innovative technological advancements.

Auria Space is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, the company actively seeks to hire employees from various backgrounds and experiences without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected class. Our diverse teams are essential to our success and innovation, and we believe that different perspectives lead to stronger, more effective solutions in our pursuit of excellence in space technology.

When asked about managing technical backlogs, it's essential to provide a structured overview of your approach. Discuss how you prioritize user needs, maintain an organized workflow, and facilitate communication between development teams and stakeholders. Highlight specific tools and methodologies you have applied to ensure issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

To effectively answer this question, explain your strategies for gathering user requirements, such as conducting interviews, surveys, or usability testing. Additionally, emphasize the importance of maintaining ongoing communication with users throughout the development cycle to adapt and refine the application according to their feedback.

When it comes to communicating complex technical ideas, focus on your ability to distill complicated information into clear, relatable terms. Provide examples of techniques you've utilized, such as visual aids or simplified explanations, and mention any feedback you've received from leadership on your clarity and effectiveness in these matters.

Be prepared to share a specific project that showcases your leadership and product management skills. Outline the project goals, challenges faced, your contributions, and the outcome. Emphasize the lessons learned and how those can be applied to future projects at Auria Space.

To effectively manage multiple application teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your prioritization framework. Discuss how you assess urgency, impact, and requirements for each project, and explain your approach to delegating tasks while ensuring accountability among team members.

Discuss specific projects where you contributed to the development of DoD software, focusing on reflecting the mission requirements and compliance with government standards. Mention how this experience shapes your understanding of the unique challenges in defense-related product management.

Prepare a concise story using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate a challenging situation you've encountered. Highlight your problem-solving and decision-making skills, and the positive results that emerged from your intervention.

Explain your approach to managing stakeholder feedback, emphasizing the importance of transparency and responsiveness. Describe how you document feedback, prioritize inputs, and ensure that user expectations are met in the final product.

Articulate your leadership style—whether it's collaborative, authoritative, or a mixture of approaches. Provide examples that showcase how your style supports team performance and fosters an environment of innovation and accountability.

Demonstrate your knowledge of current technology trends relevant to space software, such as AI, machine learning, or advancements in security protocols. Discuss how these trends could influence future project direction and application capabilities within the space domain.