Product Owner

Description

The company is a non-traditional defense technology firm that builds AI, machine learning and data solutions for U.S. military and government agencies. Its focus areas are autonomous data fusion, Agentic AI, distributed data systems, platforms at scale and complex application development. Headquarters are in McLean, VA, and clients include federal and public agencies.

The role is a Product Owner position using the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to support delivery of mission-critical technology within a complex defense environment. The team is high-performing and the pace is quick, with high stakes.

This is a U.S.-based position. All programs supported require U.S. citizenship for eligibility to work, and all work must be done within the continental U.S.

Responsibilities

• Help drive data-informed decisions and set product priorities.
• Make sure cybersecurity and technology capabilities are delivered successfully.
• Work with cross-functional teams and program leadership to match product development to organizational goals and changing mission needs.
• Own product health by balancing execution, strategy and stakeholder relationships.
• Build and maintain the product backlog for Program Increment (PI) Planning, working with Product Management and technical leadership.
• Shape the product roadmap as priorities shift.
• Gather and validate requirements, and understand the business and technical goals behind the team's work.
• Make sure development lines up with broader program goals.
• Manage product roadmaps, oversee delivery and give strategic direction while adapting to shifting priorities.
• Apply strong technical judgment to understand complex software solutions and solve problems proactively.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in program, project or product management, focused on SAFe and/or Scrum Agile frameworks.
• Proven record of working with Product and Delivery leaders to prioritize the backlog.
• Experience defining product functionality and writing detailed user stories and epics with strong empathy for end users.
• Demonstrated sprint management, including planning, review and acceptance of finished work.
• Ability to use SAFe Agile methods to support disciplined software development and frequent inspection.
• Clear communication of product vision and user stories to both technical teams and clients.
• Track record of delivering product acceptance criteria and ensuring quality.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous settings and creating clarity where it is needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including experience engaging senior DoD stakeholders.
• Ability to balance daily execution with long-term strategic thinking.
• Highly preferred: experience working with DoD customers.
• Highly preferred: track record of managing program financials, including P&L ownership.
• Highly preferred: familiarity with data security practices.
• Highly preferred: SAFe POPM or APM certification.
• Active Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI.

Conditions

Work is performed on-site in Colorado Springs.

All programs require U.S. citizenship for eligibility, and all work must be done within the continental U.S.

Equal opportunity: all applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary.
• Fully covered healthcare, dental and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Take-as-needed PTO plus 11 paid holidays.
• Education and training benefits.
• Generous referral bonuses.