Product Development Owner

Responsibilities for this Position

Position Title: Product Development Owner

Location: Sterling Heights, MI, United States

Category: Engineering

Job Type: Full-Time

Country: United States

State: MI

City: Sterling Heights

Remote Work Options: On-Site

Security Clearance Required: Ability to obtain security clearance

Career Level: Senior

Requisition ID: 17094595

Description: Position Overview

As a member of the Global Advanced Product Development team, the Product Development Owner will lead and manage complex defense projects, focusing on technology, business acumen, and project management discipline. This position requires close collaboration with the Chief Technical Officer and director of Global Advanced Product Development to ensure successful execution of technology development projects within budget and schedule across multiple stakeholders within GDLS and customer communities. Responsibilities include managing project scope negotiations, design, development, testing, change management, procurement, build, delivery, and corrective actions. The position is based in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of new products that intend to disrupt the industry and our competitors
• Develop teammates to grow and progress within the enterprise with the drive to innovate and disrupt the market.
• Collaborate with the Chief Technical Officer, Process Center Leadership, and supporting organizations to meet/exceed project expectations.
• Develop detailed business plans and analyses to bring new products to production and deliver high-margin returns on investment.
• Lead and coordinate across program/process owners to meet financial goals and maximize operational efficiency.
• Lead projects with decision-making authority, including stakeholder, supplier, and internal meetings as required.
• Manage project risk through team reviews and keep stakeholders and GDLS leadership informed of project progress.
• Develop and implement program plans across cross-functional GDLS locations and teams, ensuring successful transitions to production.
• Develop new and improved business processes to enhance efficiency.
• Coordinate supplier efforts through Supply Chain Management to reduce risk and eliminate conflicts with other programs and priorities.
• Ensure key interfaces are identified and stakeholder interests are managed within scope, cost, and schedule.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related disciplines. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience in Program Management, Engineering Project Management, Integrated Project Team (IPT) leadership, or related fields.
• Experience managing efforts and/or negotiating contracts with customers, teammates, and/or subcontractors.
• Understanding and experience with Government contracts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate.
• Must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
• Ability to travel (20% International) and possess/maintain a valid passport.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Military Personnel.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management certification.
• Experience working directly with DoD customers such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, or SOCOM.
• Knowledge of the latest technologies and innovation trends in the industry such as artificial intelligence, radar, thermal sensors, quantum computing, high power microwave, high power laser, drones, robots, swarms, etc.
• Familiarity with agile program management practices in a defense contracting environment.
• Prior military experience or defense industry leadership roles.

What We Offer

• Healthcare including medical, dental, vision, HSA, and Flex Spending.
• Competitive base pay, incentive pay that rewards individual and team performance, and comprehensive benefits.
• 401k Match (6%) with no vesting period.
• Educational Assistance up to $10k per year.
• 9-80 Work Schedule (employees work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off).
• Ongoing learning opportunities within a diverse, inclusive, and rewarding work environment.
• Onsite Cafeteria, remodeled Fitness Center with new equipment, and Outdoor fitness track.

Key Competencies

• Precision in daily operational oversight.
• Analytical mindset for cost and schedule tracking.
• Leadership under pressure.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people across 65 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, more information is available at General Dynamics Land Systems, is a business unit of General Dynamics, and is an innovative leader of ground combat systems' equipment and software for our clients. Our performance-driven team partners with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corp and other militaries across the Globe to ensure that next generation ground combat vehicles are ready to protect our fighting men and women in uniform. General Dynamics Lands Systems provides a competitive compensation package, site specific flexible work schedules, 401(k) with Company Match; Bonus Eligibility, Employee Development Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, On-site Amenities, and comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems ("GDLS") provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. GDLS also is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call 586-825-4000 or send an e-mail to for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Position Overview

As a member of the Global Advanced Product Development team, the Product Development Owner will lead and manage complex defense projects, focusing on technology, business acumen, and project management discipline. This position requires close collaboration with the Chief Technical Officer and director of Global Advanced Product Development to ensure successful execution of technology development projects within budget and schedule across multiple stakeholders within GDLS and customer communities. Responsibilities include managing project scope negotiations, design, development, testing, change management, procurement, build, delivery, and corrective actions. The position is based in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of new products that intend to disrupt the industry and our competitors
• Develop teammates to grow and progress within the enterprise with the drive to innovate and disrupt the market.
• Collaborate with the Chief Technical Officer, Process Center Leadership, and supporting organizations to meet/exceed project expectations.
• Develop detailed business plans and analyses to bring new products to production and deliver high-margin returns on investment.
• Lead and coordinate across program/process owners to meet financial goals and maximize operational efficiency.
• Lead projects with decision-making authority, including stakeholder, supplier, and internal meetings as required.
• Manage project risk through team reviews and keep stakeholders and GDLS leadership informed of project progress.
• Develop and implement program plans across cross-functional GDLS locations and teams, ensuring successful transitions to production.
• Develop new and improved business processes to enhance efficiency.
• Coordinate supplier efforts through Supply Chain Management to reduce risk and eliminate conflicts with other programs and priorities.
• Ensure key interfaces are identified and stakeholder interests are managed within scope, cost, and schedule.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related disciplines. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience in Program Management, Engineering Project Management, Integrated Project Team (IPT) leadership, or related fields.
• Experience managing efforts and/or negotiating contracts with customers, teammates, and/or subcontractors.
• Understanding and experience with Government contracts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate.
• Must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
• Ability to travel (20% International) and possess/maintain a valid passport.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Military Personnel.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management certification.
• Experience working directly with DoD customers such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, or SOCOM.
• Knowledge of the latest technologies and innovation trends in the industry such as artificial intelligence, radar, thermal sensors, quantum computing, high power microwave, high power laser, drones, robots, swarms, etc.
• Familiarity with agile program management practices in a defense contracting environment.
• Prior military experience or defense industry leadership roles.

What We Offer

• Healthcare including medical, dental, vision, HSA, and Flex Spending.
• Competitive base pay, incentive pay that rewards individual and team performance, and comprehensive benefits.
• 401k Match (6%) with no vesting period.
• Educational Assistance up to $10k per year.
• 9-80 Work Schedule (employees work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off).
• Ongoing learning opportunities within a diverse, inclusive, and rewarding work environment.
• Onsite Cafeteria, remodeled Fitness Center with new equipment, and Outdoor fitness track.

Key Competencies

• Precision in daily operational oversight.
• Analytical mindset for cost and schedule tracking.
• Leadership under pressure.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people across 65 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, more information is available at General Dynamics Land Systems, is a business unit of General Dynamics, and is an innovative leader of ground combat systems' equipment and software for our clients. Our performance-driven team partners with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corp and other militaries across the Globe to ensure that next generation ground combat vehicles are ready to protect our fighting men and women in uniform. General Dynamics Lands Systems provides a competitive compensation package, site specific flexible work schedules, 401(k) with Company Match; Bonus Eligibility, Employee Development Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, On-site Amenities, and comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems ("GDLS") provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. GDLS also is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call 586-825-4000 or send an e-mail to for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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