Director, Product Development

Job Summary

The Director, New Product Development is a strategic and hands‑on leader responsible for driving execution, innovation, design, and development of externally (customer) and internally (R&D/NPD) funded cutting‑edge digital night vision camera technologies and OEM camera products for defense and commercial markets. This role is pivotal in aligning product development initiatives and the product roadmap with the company’s strategic objectives and technical evolution, ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and market relevance.

The Director leads direct and indirect cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality, mission‑critical solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This management position reports to the Vice President & General Manager, EOTECH Edge Vision Systems. This is an on‑site position in Santa Clara, CA; remote work is not possible for this role.

• Lead a team of NPD Program Managers who serve as the primary point of contact for external and internal customers and foster strong relationships, ensuring customer/market needs are integrated into SOWs and product development activities.
• Provide a direct line of communication and act as a secondary resource for customers to elevate issues; support the team to effect appropriate resolutions.
• Gather and analyze customer feedback to guide program priorities, product design, and functionality.
• Regularly communicate program updates, technical solutions, and progress reports to customers and key internal stakeholders.
• Generate periodic, sometimes government TINA‑compliant, proposals in response to customer RFPs to address program requirements, overruns, or changes in scope.
• Routinely assess a broader scope of the customer’s organizational hierarchy for decision‑making and alternate vehicle platforms or programs for new business opportunities.

• Work with Business Development, Sales, Engineering, and customers to identify appropriate product variations and requirements.
• Develop and leverage product ideation and funnel process enabling multi‑year product/tech funnel portfolio management.
• Build a business case for new product opportunities to secure internal (and sometimes external) funding (product market fit, ROI, etc.).
• Lead the NPD process, ensuring adherence to phase‑gate methodologies and quality standards.
• Define product specifications, performance metrics, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Oversee product launches, ensuring seamless transitions from development to production.

• Manage end‑to‑end technology and product development programs, from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with company goals and customer/market demands.
• Coordinate and lead execution of cross‑functional product development across departments, including R&D, engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and finance.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Resolve conflicts, address challenges, and maintain a collaborative environment.

• Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally, up to 20% of the time.
• Requires the physical and mental capacity to perform all essential functions effectively, in addition to other demands.
• Extended periods of working at a computer at a desk, as needed.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

• 15+ years of experience in program management, product development, or R&D, with a focus on NPD (MS and/or PMP certified a plus).
• 5+ years of technical background in integrated camera, sensor, or related technologies.
• Experience in writing government pricing and proposals, including TINA and other regulatory compliance.
• Track record of developing and implementing…