Principal Product Manager, Industrial AI - Aerospace and Defense

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Product Manager to lead the development and strategic direction of Industrial AI solutions within the Aerospace and Defense sector. In this role, you will oversee the creation of AI-enabled products that enhance maintenance, operational workflows, and asset management for clients in highly regulated and safety-critical environments. Your responsibilities will include aligning product initiatives with market needs, industry standards, and company goals, ensuring that the solutions delivered are innovative, compliant, and impactful. This position requires a deep understanding of enterprise software, AI technologies, and the unique challenges faced by aerospace and defense organizations. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, data science, sales, and customer success, to drive product excellence and market success.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and communicate the long-term vision and strategic roadmap for Industrial AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives and market trends.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis and customer research to identify emerging opportunities for AI-driven maintenance and operational solutions tailored to Aerospace and Defense clients.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including airlines, MRO providers, OEMs, and defense operators, to gather insights, validate product concepts, and ensure solutions meet customer requirements and industry standards.
• Translate customer feedback, domain expertise, and regulatory considerations into detailed product requirements and specifications for AI applications in maintenance workflows.
• Establish governance standards and best practices for AI features in safety-critical environments, emphasizing quality, reliability, and compliance with industry regulations.
• Work closely with engineering and data science teams to define AI features, workflows, and integration points, creating institutional standards for product development and deployment.
• Build financial models, business cases, and investment analyses to prioritize AI product initiatives, manage product portfolio, and oversee P&L responsibilities.
• Lead the development of go-to-market strategies, including pricing, sales enablement, and marketing plans, and coordinate product launches and customer onboarding activities.
• Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to senior leadership and the board regarding product performance, market opportunities, and competitive positioning.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity within the product management team and across related functions.
• Ensure that AI solutions adhere to safety, security, and regulatory standards, especially in environments where safety and compliance are paramount.
• Act as a thought leader within the organization and industry, representing IFS at conferences, industry forums, and customer engagements related to AI in aerospace and defense.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline; an MBA or advanced business qualification is advantageous.
• Over 10 years of experience in product management or leadership roles, with a proven track record of managing enterprise or industrial software products.
• Deep understanding of the aerospace, defense, or asset-intensive industries, including maintenance, operations, and safety-critical systems.
• Experience working with AI/ML technologies, including defining requirements, validation, and deployment in regulated environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic product roadmaps, manage complex projects, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience in financial modeling, business case development, and portfolio management.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across technical, commercial, and executive teams.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging with customers, senior leadership, and industry partners.
• Proven leadership in coaching and mentoring product teams and cross-functional groups to achieve strategic objectives.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and ensure compliance with industry standards and safety requirements.

Nice to have

• Prior experience working specifically within the Aerospace and Defense industry is a plus but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development standards, such as DO-178C or similar.
• Knowledge of data science workflows, AI validation processes, and AI governance frameworks.
• Experience working with enterprise SaaS solutions and cloud-based platforms.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in financial modeling, market analysis, and business case development.
• Familiarity with AI-augmented engineering workflows, data science tools, and AI deployment practices.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex data to inform product decisions.
• Proficiency in developing strategic roadmaps, product lifecycle management, and stakeholder engagement.

Practical notes

• We offer flexible paid time off, including sick leave and holidays, to support work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided to employees and their dependents.
• A 401K retirement plan with company contributions is available to help plan for the future.
• Employees have access to flexible spending accounts and life insurance options.
• We support tuition assistance programs and encourage participation in community service and volunteering activities.
• Our organization promotes flexible and hybrid work arrangements, balancing on-site presence at the Itasca office with remote work options to accommodate diverse employee needs.
• We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

IFS is dedicated to equal opportunity employment. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and excellence.

Join IFS, a global leader with over 7,000 employees, and contribute to pioneering solutions that shape the future of aerospace and defense industries. We seek innovative, motivated individuals who are eager to make a meaningful impact through technology and leadership. If you are ready to challenge the status quo and lead transformative projects, we invite you to apply and become part of our dynamic team.