Product Operations - Dedrone

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Dedrone, now part of Axon, is the global leader in smart airspace security, protecting critical infrastructure, military assets, and public spaces from drone threats. Our counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) combine advanced RF sensors, radar integrations, AI-powered detection and classification software, and a unified command-and-control platform to provide complete airspace awareness and response capabilities. As Dedrone scales rapidly within the Axon portfolio, we are investing in dedicated Product Operations capacity to match the complexity and pace of growth.

As Product Operations Manager at Dedrone, you will ensure that every product — new and existing — is operationally ready for the field. You will lead the processes that bridge Product and Engineering with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Support, and Partners, making sure that what we build can be reliably produced, deployed, serviced, and sustained. From Operational Readiness Plans for new product introductions to RMA management and field issue resolution, you will be the single point of accountability for operational excellence across Dedrone's hardware, software, and third-party product portfolio. This is a critical role for a business that has been growing many multiples year over year since 2023 while owning a deep and complex product stack.

Location: This role is based out of one of our Sterling, VA office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.
Reports to: Sr. Product Manager II
Direct Reports: N/A

• →Operational Readiness: Lead Operational Readiness Plans (ORPs) and Customer Operations Plans (COPs) for all new product introductions and major releases. Ensure cross-functional alignment on launch readiness across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Support, Field Services, and Partners before products reach customers.
• →New Product Introduction (NPI) Coordination: Serve as the Product organization's operational lead for NPIs, coordinating timelines, dependencies, and handoffs between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, QA, and Support. Track and communicate readiness milestones.
• →Sustaining & Field Issue Management: Own the operational response to field issues, RMAs, and sustaining engineering requests. Coordinate between Customer Support, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve issues and feed lessons learned back into the product development process.
• →Third-Party & Starlink Hardware Programs: Manage the operational aspects of Dedrone's third-party hardware programs including Starlink connectivity, integrated radars, cameras, and mitigators. Coordinate with 3P vendors on supply, certification, and field support.
• →Deployment-to-Roadmap Feedback Loop: Close the loop between field deployments and the product roadmap. Aggregate deployment data, field feedback, and support trends to inform product priorities and engineering improvements.
• →Process Development: Build and refine the operational processes, templates, and tools needed for a scalable Product Operations function. Document and standardize workflows for ORPs, COPs, NPIs, and sustaining operations.
• →Cross-Functional Coordination: Work closely with Product Management, Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, QA, Customer Support, Field Services, and Partners to ensure seamless product delivery and operational excellence.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or related field.
• 3-4  years of experience in product operations, technical program management, NPI management, or a similar role in a hardware+software technology company.
• Strong experience with new product introduction processes, operational readiness, and launch coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and support organizations.
• Experience managing RMA processes, field issue resolution, and sustaining engineering workflows.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to track complex, multi-workstream programs.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience in the defense, aerospace, public safety, or security technology industry.
• Familiarity with hardware product development processes (DFM, prototyping, testing, certification).
• Experience managing third-party hardware vendor relationships and integration programs.
• Experience with Jira, Arena, or similar product lifecycle management tools.
• Experience working in a high-growth environment with rapidly evolving product lines and frequent new introductions.
• Understanding of government and defense deployment requirements and operational environments.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

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