Senior Product Manager - Hardware and Software

Senior Product Manager – Hardware and Software

We’re expanding what’s possible with autonomous systems and are looking for a Senior Product Manager to drive innovation across hardware, software, and electrical systems.

Locations: Chicago (Schaumburg), IL | St. Louis, MO

Type: Full‑time

About Wing Xpand: Wing Xpand® is expanding what’s possible with autonomous systems, developing a smart plane that expands from a backpack to help farmers, emergency crews, and soldiers. We’re a rapidly growing startup building the future of smart, connected robotics.

Position

Description:

The role requires working hands‑on with engineers, executives, and customers to execute on Wing Xpand’s most important products and contract milestones.

• Lead multi‑disciplinary product development across hardware, software, and electrical engineering teams, driving execution from concept to deployment.
• Manage scrum and agile processes using Click Up (or similar tools) to ensure projects are organized, on‑time, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Own and deliver on complex contract execution plans—tracking milestones, deliverables, and new product roadmaps across multiple customers.
• Serve as the primary conduit between C‑suite and engineering, translating strategy into actionable tasks and ensuring engineers are aligned with business priorities.
• Engage directly with customers, translating their needs into technical requirements and MVP strategies to rapidly deliver feedback‑driven results.
• Support business development by crafting technically‑grounded proposal content and collaborating on customer engagement strategies.
• Brief senior leadership with crisp, technical summaries and timeline updates while diving deep with engineers to resolve execution challenges.
• Build trust with technical teams by demonstrating a hands‑on, self‑starting approach to understanding the full product ecosystem.

• 8+ years of direct product management experience with demonstrated success managing hardware and software development in tandem.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; MBA, technical graduate degree, or certifications in Scrum, Agile, or systems engineering are a strong plus.
• Technical background in aerospace, robotics, AI, defense, or a related engineering field.
• Experience working at high‑growth startups where speed, autonomy, and clarity of communication are critical.
• Expertise with agile tools like Click Up, Jira, or Asana for managing complex engineering workflows.
• Proven ability to lead without micromanaging, ensuring teams are unblocked and timelines are met—or exceeded.
• Comfortable getting into the weeds with technical contributors while presenting clear takeaways to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Passionate about building solutions that deliver real‑world impact and shape the future of robotics.

• Personal or professional experience with robotics, drones, RC aircraft, or maker projects (e.g., hackathons, DIY builds, hobby flying).
• Contributions to open‑source hardware/software projects or active participation in technical communities (e.g., Git Hub, forums, meetups).
• Familiarity with hardware prototyping tools (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3D printing, soldering, CAD).
• Experience with field testing autonomous or edge AI systems in real‑world environments.
• Passion for emerging tech and a track record of exploring new tools, platforms, or frameworks for fun or innovation.

How to Apply: Please apply with your resume and/or CV explaining why you are the perfect candidate for this role.

To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations, the applicant must be a “U.S. Person” (U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder).

We offer a competitive package based on level of experience, including the possibility of Wing Xpand stock options and advancement opportunities as the company expands.

We’re looking for a self‑motivated, results‑driven individual with a passion for innovation and technology. Apply today and join us on the journey of expanding what’s possible with aerial intelligence for those that keep our world running.