Product Manager, SDA Software Applications

About the role

Katalyst is a company that builds robotic spacecraft designed to enable dynamic space operations. Our mission is to create a future where space activities are as routine as those on Earth, focusing on foundational capabilities that support sustained, responsive operations.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• Carefully coordinate with engineering and individually contribute to ensure demos showcase the right capabilities to address stakeholder priorities
• 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
• 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

Requirements

• Fluency in the SDA Problem Space
• Technical Credibility and Presentation Skills
• Comfort with Ambiguity
• Strategic Thinking
• Willingness to Travel

Qualifications

• 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
• 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

Skills

• Product Management
• Technical Credibility
• External Stakeholder Management
• Business Development
• Strategic Thinking
• Agile Methodologies

Benefits

• Base Salary: $120,000 - $170,000 annually
• Long-term Incentives: Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan
• Relocation Bonus
• Discretionary Bonuses
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• Unlimited Paid Time Off

Pay

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.

Schedule

You will be required to work extended hours and weekends as needed.