Product Development Lead

You in This Role. You've built your career bringing hardware products to life-from early concepts through real-world performance-and what sets you apart is your ability to keep complex development efforts moving forward without losing structure or momentum.

You don't just manage projects-you own them. You bring clarity to ambiguity, prioritize effectively across multiple work streams, and ensure nothing stalls. You're equally comfortable delegating to a team as you are stepping in hands-on to solve problems, validate performance, or push a project across the finish line.

You operate at the intersection of engineering, supply chain, and real-world product use. You understand how field performance, testing data, and component constraints translate into product decisions. Teams rely on you to connect the dots, drive alignment, and deliver results.

You are organized, technically credible, and execution-focused. You thrive in fast-moving environments where processes are still being built, and you take pride in creating structure where it doesn't yet exist.

A Day in the Life

Every day will look different, but you'll spend your time:

• Managing and prioritizing multiple active product development projects simultaneously

• Delegating work across Product Development Specialists while maintaining full visibility into progress

• Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, and Product Application (field) teams

• Translating field feedback and testing data into clear product improvements

• Coordinating BOM changes, component substitutions, and supplier-related updates

• Overseeing structured testing, including both bench and real-world validation

• Identifying and removing bottlenecks to keep development efforts moving

• Balancing speed and execution with proper validation and quality standards

• Stepping in hands-on when needed to troubleshoot, test, or drive progress

• Building structure, processes, and systems to improve development efficiency

What You'll Do

• Own and organize all active product development efforts across multiple product lines

• Lead and coordinate Product Development Specialists to ensure execution and accountability

• Establish clear prioritization across competing projects and deadlines

• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Engineering, Procurement, and Field teams

• Own the validation, standardization, and implementation of product changes

• Develop and implement structured testing and validation processes

• Translate real-world product performance into actionable development decisions

• Manage BOM updates, component changes, and supply chain-driven adjustments

• Support new product development as well as ongoing product improvements and revisions

• Build scalable processes for managing product changes from field feedback through production

Must-Have Skills

• Hardware product development experience (electronics strongly preferred)

• Strong project/program management and prioritization skills

• Experience leading or coordinating cross-functional teams

• Ability to manage multiple fast-moving projects simultaneously

• Experience with BOM management, component changes, and substitutions

• Strong cross-functional communication and alignment skills

• Ability to translate testing data and field feedback into product improvements

• Hands-on problem-solving mindset with willingness to engage at the execution level

• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-changing environments

• Strong organizational skills with a focus on execution and accountability

Nice to Have

• Experience in the drone or FPV industry

• Familiarity with RF systems, motors, batteries, or camera systems

• Experience working with overseas manufacturers and suppliers

• Hands-on product testing, prototyping, or build experience

• Experience with QA/QC, validation, and testing processes

• Background in consumer electronics, robotics, or similar hardware industries

Example Projects

• Validating motor, ESC, and battery systems against performance targets

• Managing camera revisions, including sensor upgrades and housing improvements

• Replacing discontinued components across multiple SKUs

• Supporting development of new drone platforms or…