Software Product Manager, Air Defense

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Irvine, CA · AFS : Air Defense Engineering

Product Manager for an Air Defense simulation product, focusing on building the core simulation experience for rapid iteration, testing, and training of autonomous systems against UAS threats. This role involves defining product vision, technical strategy, gathering requirements from operators and developers, and driving execution through the product lifecycle.

What you'd actually do

  1. Articulate a clear product vision and own the technical strategy for our simulation product, from core infrastructure like synthetic environments and scenario authoring tools to the end-user experience.
  2. Serve as the voice of the user by embedding with operators, gathering requirements from teams across all programs, and translating their collective needs into a unified and prioritized product roadmap This includes direct engagement with military operators in the field to understand training workflows, proficiency requirements, and operational pain points.
  3. Listen to the developer community to understand pain points on the Lattice platform, diagnose how they reflect product deficiencies, and assess their impact on the end-user simulation experience.
  4. Decompose ambiguous, complex problems into concrete technical plans, working hands-on with engineering to scope features, plan sprints, and drive execution through the entire product lifecycle.
  5. Build consensus and align diverse stakeholders around a shared technical direction, effectively communicating business context to engineering teams and translating complex technical details for non-technical partners. Navigate the unique requirements of military customers, security constraints, and rapid deployment timelines.

Skills

Required

  • 5+ years working in product development for complex software systems (robotics, simulation, training systems, or mission-critical defense applications)
  • at least 3 years specifically in a hands-on product management capacity
  • Robust technical aptitude
  • understand technical designs, software development lifecycle, architectural tradeoffs, and risks
  • effective working shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering teams
  • Comfortable with concepts like kinematic modeling, sensor physics, and real-time distributed systems
  • Demonstrated success decomposing complex problems into addressable component parts
  • Proven ability to motivate cross-functional teams and work with internal and external stakeholders across a wide range of technical comfort
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be able to travel up to 25% of the time

Nice to have

  • Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems through industry or education
  • Experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SiTL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiTL), or other complex hardware/software integration testing
  • Knowledge of modern game engines (Unity, Unreal) or physics simulation frameworks
  • Familiarity with LVC architectures, HLA/DIS standards, or other distributed simulation systems
  • Experience with scenario authoring tools, training curriculum development, or instructional system design
  • Familiarity with DoD training standards, certification requirements, or after-action review (AAR) methodologies
  • Prior experience as a military operator, trainer, or instructor (any branch/MOS) with hands-on experience in tactical systems
  • An active security clearance is helpful but not required

What the JD emphasized

  • direct engagement with military operators in the field
  • understand training workflows, proficiency requirements, and operational pain points
  • military customers, security constraints, and rapid deployment timelines