Product Manager, SDA Software Applications
$120k - $170k USD
Katalyst Description:
We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture:
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
What You’ll Do
Product Roadmap & Strategic Planning
- Define and maintain the product roadmap for multiple SDA products
- Own the product backlog, ensuring features are properly prioritized, defined, and ready for engineering teams to execute against
- Provide visibility of execution and progress to executives
- Translate external stakeholder needs and acquisition opportunities into clear requirements and user stories for engineering to implement
- Balance competing priorities, external deadlines, and mission requirements to deliver maximum value
Technical Demonstrations & External Communication
- Own and deliver external-facing product demos to government stakeholders, potential customers, and partners with sufficient technical depth to field difficult questions.
- Prepare and present technical briefings to senior military and government officials, translating complex SDA capabilities into mission value.
- Serve as the technical point of contact for all external communications, ensuring messaging is accurate, compelling and aligned with stakeholder needs.
- Coordinate with engineering and individually contribute to ensure demos showcase the right capabilities to address stakeholder priorities
Internal Product Execution & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead Bi-weekly sprint demos to ensure development progress is visible and aligned with strategic goals.
- Own all communication with executives regarding product development, ensuring alignment between engineering and company strategy.
- Lead biannual product strategy workshops to align teams on roadmap priorities, strategic direction, and tactical execution.
- Manage external subcontractor relationships, tracking milestones and ensuring deliverables are met on time and to specification.
External Stakeholder Management & Business Development
- Own and manage relationships with government stakeholders, partners, and potential acquisition targets, serving as the primary external face of the product.
- Respond quickly to emerging opportunities, adapting roadmap and priorities as new acquisition paths develop.
What We’re Looking For
- Fluency in the SDA Problem Space – You have a deep understanding of SDA concepts or are willing to learn quickly and independently.
- Technical Credibility and Presentation Skills – You can deliver compelling technical demos and briefings to senior government officials, military leaders, and technical stakeholders.
- Comfort with Ambiguity — You thrive in an environment where requirements evolve, priorities shift, and you don't have complete information.
- Strategic Thinking – You know how to prioritize to maximize impact with constrained resources and can clearly articulate the “why” behind product decisions.
- Willingness to Travel – 25% travel to maintain stakeholder relationships and regularly solicit product feedback.
Your Ideal Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or a related technical field.
- 3-5 years of product management experience, ideally combining product management with business development or sales engineering in a defense/aerospace or technical B2B SaaS environment.
- Domain expertise in aerospace, defense, or Space Domain Awareness is highly preferred. Alternatively, demonstrated ability to quickly learn complex technical domains.
- Experience working with government or DoD customers is preferred, including understanding of acquisition processes and operational needs.
- Startup or fast-paced environment experience where the ability to move quickly, wear multiple hats, and navigate ambiguity independently is essential.
- Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and product management tools (Linear, Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to technical and executive audiences.
Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $120,000 - $170,000 annually.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.