Director of Product Manager - Santa Barbara, CA

Full-Time

Manager

The Company

Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) designs and manufactures the world's most technologically advanced test instrumentation used to test, calibrate and validate the performance of Visible, Near Infrared (NIR), SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, Laser and Electro-Optical (E-O) sensor components and systems. SBIR was founded in 1986 and quickly became the leader in the electro-optical (E-O) test instrumentation field. In 1999 SBIR became part of HEICO Corporation, an aerospace company based in Hollywood, Florida. SBIR's focus is on providing well engineered, cost effective hardware and software solutions to the E-O community and their extensive design capabilities cover the spectrum of infrared, laser, visible and dynamic scene projection applications.

IRCameras (IRC) provides the most technologically advanced infrared imaging systems available for scientific, industrial and military applications. They have an extensive line-up of standard commercial infrared cameras and IDCAs and offer custom design and build services to meet unique optical, packaging and space-constrained requirements.

IRC is a subsidiary of SBIR and together they are uniquely positioned to advance development of thermal imaging technologies, and to commercialize these technologies for a wide range of applications including Nondestructive testing; Predictive maintenance; Online process monitoring and control; Scientific research; Target signature; and Security and surveillance.

The engineering staff at SBIR is a diverse group of highly qualified optical, electrical, mechanical, software and EO-IR systems engineers. SBIR possesses the required facilities, equipment and personnel to excel at all aspects of E-O Test System manufacturing, assembly, test and integration. SBIR houses over 70 employees in a single 25,000 square foot facility located in downtown Santa Barbara, CA.

HEICO Corporation and Electronics Technology Group

HEICO Corporation (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A), established in 1957, is a dynamic and expanding technology-driven company specializing in aerospace, industrial, defense, and electronics sectors. Flourishing through a commitment to innovation and cost-effective solutions, HEICO's products are integral components on large commercial, regional, business, and military aircraft, as well as diverse applications like industrial turbines, targeting systems, missiles, and electro-optical devices.

One of two distinct segments, the Electronic Technologies Group remains at the forefront of technological advancements, providing essential solutions across multiple industries. HEICO's Electronic Technologies Group is a trailblazer in the design, manufacture and sale of electrically and electro-optical engineered products used in the aerospace, defense, space, and electronics industries.

Purpose of the Position and The Opportunity

The Director of Product Management is a new and strategic role that will support the development and execution of the IRC product roadmap and lead revenue growth-this position is product by title, yet carries revenue expansion responsibilities. S/he will have full ownership of the complementary product and business development strategy, and be instrumental to the long-term development of the IRC business; further, they will engage customers to understand their product strategies and develop roadmaps to ensure IRC is innovating and positioned to win.

The Director will collaborate and coordinate across internal teams to harness a deep understanding of the product development and technology cycle, and work with leading customers to bring greater awareness to IRC while being the visible representative for the business. S/he will be an energizing contributor able to strategize internally and lead with influence, and they will engage with sales and engineering teams to develop, enhance, and execute on customer and market requirements for renewed growth.

The ideal candidate possesses an entrepreneurial mindset and cross-functional aptitude, leads by example, and is passionate about infrared camera technologies. The SBIR / IRC team culture strikes a balance between high performance and high integrity, while staying humble and pragmatic; s/he is data-driven, organized, individually accountable, and must have a demonstrated record of accomplishment managing product, sales development, and innovation within the IR camera or related ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the IRC product roadmap and growth (voice of the customer) and demonstrate collaboration and clear ownership of strategy
• Owner of the IRC product roadmap including product variants and new products, and marketing efforts throughout the lifecycle of the most advanced devices
• Sustain the focus on new product ideas, and the determination of market viability for new products; they will develop and champion the marketing strategy and execution oversight
• Manage IRC go-to-market and product growth efforts, to include direct, channel, and cross-functional sales; own the annual bookings targets and ties to broader SBIR goals
• Listen to customer feedback and translate needs into new product development-ensure product development aligns with market requirements and expand SBIR's capability to drive growth, and build an environment where key technologies are seeded
• Develop and cultivate strong relationships with customers and development partners to drive technology maturation and execute on agreed upon strategies
• Coordinate, strategize, and collaborate to convert innovative ideas into practical solutions; promote acceptance of improved (or new) technologies and products, and influence customer requirements
• Ensure submitted proposals, product development, and delivery plans have realistic resources and timelines, and are consistent with forecasted departmental operating costs
• Direct budget request preparation, drive improvements to refine product specification generation and flow-down processes to eliminate compliance errors; improve the accuracy of work plan budgets
• Supervise employees as needed and execute administrative responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws-these include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems
• Foster and maintain a culture of accountability, collaboration, and ownership; an understanding of customer requirements; and one that empowers, develops, grows, and retains talent

Critical Success Objectives

• Establish themselves as the overall customer-facing leader across IRC product and growth affairs, including, but not limited to customer interactions, strategic account targeting and development plans, and collaboration with the product line to identify and set investments that will enable growth
• Synergize business development functions with product strategy and build a complementary relationship as a brand ambassador between the customer and technical teams; lead and strengthen product organization, and identify optimal customer solutions through proposal ownership
• Position themselves to drive IR camera product order forecasts, to include P&L strategy engagement
• Fulfill IRC's growth objectives by expanding recognition in academic, commercial, and defense markets strategically beyond existing partnerships and relationships
• Develop market analysis, market research, and voice of customer functions to accurately represent the IRC products business internally and externally

Skills and Competencies

• Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in engineering and product development, including at least four (4) years of experience in process-driven and structured organizational leadership roles
• Deep technical knowledge of IR cameras and, in particular, knowledge of specialty cameras; additionally, a comprehensive knowledge of the IR camera market
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of IR camera architecture and enabling technologies: FPA's cryocoolers, lenses, and electronics-deep knowledge of applications and their requirements
• Prior experience developing a product roadmap and breaking it down into specific steps to develop a strategic plan-results-driven program management / execution experience
• Demonstrated credibility within industry and with customers, in-depth knowledge of customer technology, and an ability to communicate effectively with technical teams and leadership
• A history of collaborative leadership with both direct and indirect team(s), with the ability to lead through influence and effectively communicate complex technical concepts to key stakeholders
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented, organized, and methodical approach
• Self-driven, agile, and the ability to adjust and adapt without direction
• An effective communicator viewed as knowledgeable, consultative, and possessing unique interpersonal skills-a leader that inspires excellence, builds effective teams, and constructively partners and collaborates to drive alignment across the organization
• Due to Export Control Regulations compliance, eligible candidates must be U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, or persons granted asylum; proper documentation is required. Pre-employment verifications: must pass background, reference, and ITAR / EAR checks in addition to a pre-employment drug screen.

Education

A bachelor's degree in electrical, systems, or related engineering field from an accredited university; advanced degree preferred.

Benefits and Compensation

A highly competitive compensation program will be provided to the successful candidate including base salary and discretionary bonus. Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; company paid holidays and paid time-off; and a 9/80 schedule; relocation benefits are available.

Pay Range Pay Range

The estimated pay range for this job. Disclosing pay information promotes competitive and equitable pay.

The actual pay rate will depend on the person's qualifications and experience.

$200,000.00 - $250,000.00 / year

In order to support the Fair Compensation Strategy by the US Govt., HR Dept., clients are required to adhere to "Pay Transparency Law"; in the impacted states; that have mandated the employers to list the salary ranges in Job advertisements or postings for job opportunities and Job promotions.