Mission Operations Product Manager, Group 5 Mission Autonomy

Remote · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00) · USD 166,000-220,000 · Full-time · Remote · Posted Oct 7, 2026

At a glance

The Mission Operations Product Manager will lead the development of autonomy products for Group 5 autonomous air vehicles. This role involves managing the product lifecycle from initial requirements to fielding, while collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure system capabilities meet mission objectives.

Develop Mission Autonomy products that support the operation of Group 5 autonomous air vehicles.
Drive product development for the entire lifecycle from initial requirements development to fielding.
Define product roadmaps and timelines, guide cross-functional product decisions, and manage engineering risk.
Evaluate trades to enable exploration of early designs in collaboration with engineering and business development.
Develop autonomy behavior and supporting product requirements.
Define test requirements and ensure alignment between system capabilities and mission objectives.
Plan, execute, and analyze mission autonomy tests in simulated environments to validate system performance.
Support business development teams as the product voice during customer briefings, demonstrations, and exercises.
Create and maintain updated presentation templates of product capabilities for customer briefs.

Operational experience as a Pilot or CSO/NFO of USAF, USN, USMC 4th or 5th generation fighter/bomber aircraft or RPAs.
Self-starter with high ownership and mission-oriented mentality.
Strong analytical skills to interpret test data, diagnose system behaviors, and recommend improvements.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proven track record of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
Experience in leading system design and development from initial concept through delivery.
Ability to make educated decisions and leverage engineering trades in the absence of clear customer requirements.
Willingness to work flexible hours.
Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance and experience with Special Access Programs.

5th generation aircraft pilot experience
Weapons school instructor, weapons school graduate, or test pilot school graduate
Developmental or Operational Test experience
Bachelor’s degree in STEM or equivalent experience
Direct experience in the development, testing, and deployment of mission autonomy systems in a defense or aerospace context
Familiarity with agile software development practices
Knowledge of current industry and military standards related to unmanned aerial systems
Familiarity with the principles of mission autonomy and integration of multiple assets