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Principal Product Manager- A&D

Company Description

IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with 7000+ employees on all continents. Our leading AI technology is the backbone of our award-winning enterprise software solutions, enabling our customers to be their best when it really matters–at the Moment of Service™. Our commitment to internal AI adoption has allowed us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring our colleagues can unlock their creativity and productivity, and our solutions are always cutting-edge.

At IFS, we’re flexible, we’re innovative, and we’re focused not only on how we can engage with our customers but on how we can make a real change and have a worldwide impact. We help solve some of society’s greatest challenges, fostering a better future through our agility, collaboration, and trust.

We celebrate diversity and understand our responsibility to reflect the diverse world we work in. We are committed to promoting an inclusive workforce that fully represents the many different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints of our customers, our partners, and our communities. As a truly international company serving people from around the globe, we realize that our success is tantamount to the respect we have for those different points of view.

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to be part of a global, diverse environment; you will be joining a winning team with a commitment to sustainability; and a company where we get things done so that you can make a positive impact on the world.

We’re looking for innovative and original thinkers to work in an environment where you can #MakeYourMoment so that we can help others make theirs. With the power of our AI-driven solutions, we empower our team to change the status quo and make a real difference.

If you want to change the status quo, we’ll help you make your moment. Join Team Purple. Join IFS.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Product Manager to join our team as we develop cutting-edge AI-based Aerospace & Defense software solutions. In this role, you will be responsible for the identification of investment cases, working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to lead investment planning and evangelizing the product vision.

As a Product Manager, you will drive product strategy and roadmap planning, considering market trends, competitor analysis, and customer feedback. You will collaborate with engineering teams to prioritize features and help provide clarity on investment themes. Additionally, you will be responsible for defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success and make data-driven decisions.

The preferred candidate will have a strong background in the A&D industry, with experience in defense manufacturing and supply chain, having worked with a defense vendor/OEM. The candidate will also have experience with the use of software in the A&D industry, understanding government technology acquisition processes, and the regulations and compliance around it. Exceptional communication and leadership skills are crucial for this role, as you will be responsible for leading cross-functional teams and presenting product updates to stakeholders.

As a Product Manager in Aerospace and Defense, you will report into the VP of Product Management, A&D and you are responsible for:

  • Developing and executing product strategies and roadmaps for defense-related products, aligning with company objectives and market opportunities. 
  • Conducting comprehensive market and competitive analyses specific to the defense industry, identifying trends, customer needs, and building business cases for potential opportunities. 
  • Engaging with defense customers, stakeholders, and end-users to gather requirements, solicit feedback, and ensure products meet or exceed their expectations. 
  • Leveraging knowledge of existing defense standards, specifications, and prior solicitations to inform and drive product requirements. 
  • Collaborating with engineering and design teams to prioritize features and help guide product development.
  • Defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success.
  • Working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive transparency and enablement of product updates and roadmap plans.
  • Helping develop and implement go-to-market strategies for defense products, including pricing and positioning. 

Qualifications

  • Salary Range:  $150,000-$180,000 plus 15% bonus potential
  • A degree in Software Engineering, or a related STEM field; MBA is a plus
  • 10+ years relevant experience with increasing responsibilities – A&D industry experience necessary, working with a defense manufacturer/contractor
  • Proven experience in bringing defense products from concept to deployment
  • Experience working with Department of Defense (DoD), military contractors, or other government agencies.
  • Comprehensive understanding of defense acquisition processes and regulatory requirements, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, MIL-STD and FedRamp etc. A good understanding of government reporting requirements is also required.
  • Deep experience in managing through influence and driving results through cross functional teams
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience interfacing with customers and senior leadership. 
  • US Citizenship required
  • This role is able to be located 100% remote within the US with 15-20% travel

Additional Information

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Equal Opportunity Employer

Average salary estimate

$165000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$180000K

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What You Should Know About Principal Product Manager- A&D, IFS

Are you ready to take the lead in defining the future of Aerospace & Defense software? IFS, a billion-dollar company with over 7,000 employees worldwide, is on the lookout for a Principal Product Manager to join our dynamic team in Itasca, IL. As a pivotal player in our mission, you will be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions that empower our clients to rise to their most critical moments. In this role, you'll craft and execute product strategies and roadmaps, all while driving engagement with both internal engineering teams and external defense customers. We're seeking someone with a strong background in the A&D sector, particularly with experience in defense manufacturing and supply chains. If you possess a knack for identifying market trends and translating customer feedback into actionable investment cases, you'd be a perfect fit. You'll also work closely with cross-functional teams to define success metrics and monitor performance against them. Exceptional communication skills are essential as you’ll regularly present updates to stakeholders and lead diverse teams. Your insights will shape product development from concept to deployment, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards unique to the industry. If you want to make a meaningful impact within a company that values innovation, diversity, and sustainability, IFS is your platform. Join us as we push boundaries and create solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. Come make your moment with us at IFS!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Product Manager- A&D Role at IFS
What are the primary responsibilities of the Principal Product Manager at IFS?

The Principal Product Manager at IFS is responsible for developing and executing product strategies and roadmaps tailored to the Aerospace & Defense industry. This includes conducting market analyses, engaging with customers to gather feedback, and collaborating with engineering teams to prioritize product features. A key part of the role also involves defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success.

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What qualifications do I need to become a Principal Product Manager at IFS?

To be a successful candidate for the Principal Product Manager role at IFS, you should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in the Aerospace & Defense industry, particularly in defense manufacturing and supply chains. A degree in Software Engineering or a related STEM field is essential, and an MBA is a plus. Proven experience in navigating defense acquisition processes and regulatory requirements is also critical.

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What skills are essential for a Principal Product Manager at IFS?

Essential skills for the Principal Product Manager include exceptional communication and presentation abilities, a strong understanding of defense standards and specifications, and a knack for managing through influence. The ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and drive results is crucial. Candidates should be comfortable presenting to senior leadership and interfacing with customers.

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What is the salary range for a Principal Product Manager at IFS?

The salary range for the Principal Product Manager role at IFS is between $150,000 and $180,000, plus the potential for a 15% bonus. This competitive package reflects the level of expertise and responsibility associated with leading product management efforts in the Aerospace & Defense sector.

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Is remote work an option for the Principal Product Manager position at IFS?

Yes, the Principal Product Manager position at IFS can be 100% remote within the US, allowing for flexible working arrangements. However, candidates should be prepared for 15-20% travel as part of their commitment to building relationships with customers and stakeholders.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal Product Manager- A&D
How would you approach market analysis for a new defense product at IFS?

When approaching market analysis for a new defense product, I would start by gathering data on current industry trends, customer needs, and competitor offerings. I would engage with existing customers to understand their pain points and desires, enabling me to identify a unique value proposition. Additionally, I would collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate and refine my analysis.

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Can you give an example of how you've previously influenced cross-functional teams?

In my last role, I led a project where I brought together marketing, engineering, and sales teams to develop a new product. By facilitating open communication and aligning everyone's goals with the overarching project objectives, I was able to ensure collaboration. This resulted in a successful launch that met customer needs and drove sales.

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What methodologies do you use for product roadmap planning?

For product roadmap planning, I utilize methodologies such as Agile and Lean Product Development. I prioritize features based on customer feedback, market demand, and strategic alignment with business goals, ensuring our roadmap remains flexible and responsive to changes.

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How do you measure the success of a new product?

To measure product success, I define key performance indicators (KPIs) at the outset of the project. These could include user adoption rates, customer satisfaction scores, revenue growth, and market share increases. Regular reviews against these KPIs help guide any necessary adjustments to strategy.

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How do you handle feedback from customers that conflicts with product vision?

When I encounter conflicting feedback from customers, I assess the feedback in the context of our product vision and market trends. I engage in dialogue with stakeholders to ensure we understand the underlying needs behind their feedback and determine if any adjustments can be made without straying too far from our vision.

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What is your experience with defense acquisition processes?

I have extensive experience navigating defense acquisition processes, including familiarity with regulations such as FAR, DFARS, and ITAR. I ensure that all product development is compliant, and I am skilled in preparing documentation that meets government requirements, which facilitates smoother sales cycles.

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Describe a significant challenge you faced in product management and how you overcame it.

One significant challenge was managing scope creep in a major defense project. To overcome this, I implemented a stakeholder management process, including regular check-ins and updates, to communicate the importance of sticking to the original project scope. This realignment helped us maintain focus and meet project deadlines.

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Can you explain your approach to defining product requirements?

My approach to defining product requirements includes collaboration with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams to gather comprehensive input. I often use techniques such as user stories and use cases to articulate requirements clearly, ensuring that they address actual needs and expectations.

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What tools do you prefer for project and product management?

I regularly utilize project management tools such as JIRA or Trello for task tracking and collaboration. For product management, I turn to tools like Aha! or ProductPlan to create and communicate roadmaps effectively, while also using analytics tools to monitor performance metrics.

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How do you stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities in Aerospace & Defense?

To stay informed, I engage with professional networks, attend industry conferences, and read relevant publications and reports. I also set up alerts for news related to competitors and market developments, which helps me understand the broader industry landscape and informs our product strategies.

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At IFS we develop cloud enterprise software for companies who want to be at their best when it matters most to their customers - at the #MomentOfService. This idea resonates with customers, partners and analysts, and has helped fuel growth. But wh...

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DATE POSTED
April 16, 2025

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