An Australian-based advanced technology company working across defence, law enforcement and government sectors is seeking an experienced Product Manager to lead the transition of innovative technologies from concept and prototype into scalable, market-ready products.
This is a newly created role by and for the business, established specifically to strengthen the organisation’s ability to commercialise innovative technologies and scale products effectively.
This role reports directly to the Group CEO and will suit a hands-on, technically minded generalist who enjoys operating across engineering, product development and manufacturing in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
About the Role
This role is responsible for driving the transition of innovative technologies from early-stage development into production-ready, commercially viable products.
You will own the product journey beyond prototype, focusing on manufacturing readiness, cost control and scalability. Working alongside an in-house engineering team and external manufacturing partners, you will ensure products are designed with clear requirements, robust documentation and a viable production pathway.
The position has a broad remit, covering engineering handover, manufacturing coordination and commercial decision-making, rather than traditional backlog or feature-based product management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from prototype through to pilot and scalable production
- Translate concepts, MVPs and prototypes into production-ready designs
- Define and maintain product requirements, manufacturing documentation and technical data packs
- Drive production readiness, including design maturity, manufacturability and cost optimisation
- Lead engagement with external manufacturing partners, including supplier selection, coordination and oversight
- Support manufacturing strategy decisions, including make vs buy and future in-house capability
- Provide practical guidance to engineering teams on design trade-offs, tolerances and production constraints
- Ensure alignment between engineering outputs, supply chain capability and commercial objectives
You are a practical, commercially minded Product Manager who understands complex, integrated systems and how to take them to market.
You will likely bring:
- 5+ years’ experience taking physical products from concept to market
- Experience working with electronics, mechatronics, sensors, robotics, drones or other complex systems
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chains and contract manufacturing
- Ability to work confidently with engineers and make informed design and production decisions
- Experience in building requirements, managing traceability and preparing data packs
- Does not require formal engineering qualifications, however needs a strong understanding of technical processes
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate between technical and commercial perspectives
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-innovation environment
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
- Work on high-impact technologies used by government and defence-related customers
- Direct access to senior leadership and influence over product direction
- Hands-on role with real ownership from concept through to production
- Stable, profitable organisation with a hands-on, collaborative culture and long tenure
- Opportunity to shape how innovative technologies are commercialised at scale
To learn more or if you would like to have a confidential conversation about this role, please click “Apply” or if you have any questions contact Orrin Huang via email at ohuang@sharpandcarter.com.au
Feel free to connect in with me on https://www.linkedin.com/in/orrinhuang/
