Product Development Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Company Information:
Elbit America is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the United States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. Elbit Systems of America, LLC is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. For additional information, visit: ElbitAmerica.com or follow us on YouTube.
Fueled by more than 800 talented employees and a proud 65-year legacy of night vision production excellence, Elbit America's Warfighter Systems business is rooted in the heart of Virginia's Roanoke Valley. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll find a unique blend of southern hospitality, outdoor adventure, and the energy of a thriving city - all alongside a purpose you can be proud of coming to work each day.
As a world leader in low-light sensor technology, the Warfighter Systems team is engineering the future of image intensifiers and night vision goggle systems as we enter a new era of the networked battlespace. Trusted by the U.S. and nearly 100 allied countries, our technology provides support to those in harm's way during the most critical moments with one goal in mind: bring them home safely.
The work our employees perform each day plays a direct role in national security, and our shared purpose is what truly makes Warfighter Systems so extraordinary. Come join our collaborative team where each voice is valued in a setting where you can thrive, develop, and make a true impact!
Manager Product Development
Job Summary:
The Manager of Product Development will serve as a strategic leader for the Warfighter Systems business. The primary responsibility of this role is to drive the overarching Soldier Systems portfolio strategy by defining a unified, multi-year portfolio roadmap that aligns customer operational needs, customer budgets, technology evolution, and business priorities. Works as the customer advocate translating customer needs into portfolio level requirements and informing investment decisions across multiple product lines.
The manager will lead Product Manager(s) and/or Product Specialist(s) responsible for discrete product lines, ensuring that each product strategy aligns with, and contributes to, the broader Soldier Systems portfolio strategy.
The role includes developing subject matter expertise across technologies such as image intensification (I²), thermal imaging, edge/compute processing, augmented reality (AR) displays, soldier borne power solutions, and tactical radios, providing strategic guidance and architecture direction for integrated and discrete solutions within the portfolio.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Lead or support customer engagement, requirement capture, briefings, and proposal strategy and development.
• Lead the Soldier Systems portfolio strategy, unifying product roadmaps and long-term capability evolution.
• Oversee portfolio lifecycle decisions, investment planning, business cases, and value-based pricing for key initiatives.
• Manage a small team to deliver cohesive product and portfolio strategies, product plans, roadmaps, business cases, marketing collateral, and other work products in support of strategy development, execution, and maintenance.
• Partner with Business Development, Engineering, Program Management, Operations, and Marketing to drive innovation and competitive positioning.
• Translate customer needs and market problems into clear requirements, MVP definitions, coordinated development plans, and differentiated value propositions.
• Provide competitive insights, technology assessments, and architectural guidance to ensure aligned, future ready solutions.
• Monitor engineering execution, manage risks with PEMs, and establish and cascade production cost targets.
• Participate in cross functional project reviews and ensure alignment with strategic and operational objectives.
• Collaborate across ESA business units to leverage technologies and advance the portfolio's growth and impact.
Requirements Education/Certificates/Licenses and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in business or technical major
• 12+ years of experience with night vision technology, optics or other Soldier-borne technologies
• 3+ years of management experience
• Demonstrated ability to create/evaluate business cases, assess financial return (ROI/NPV), and inform portfolio level investment decisions across multiple product lines.
• Experience conducting market, competitive, and technology assessments to shape multi year strategic roadmaps and prioritize portfolio opportunities.
• Experience with face-to-face customer interactions and building customer relationships
• Ability to obtain a security clearance
Preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in Optical / Systems/ Mechanical / Electrical / Software Engineering or related field
• MBA or equivalent
• Familiarity with electro-optic military technology
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• US Government Secret Security Clearance, preferred
• Military service/background
Skills and Abilities:
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills coupled with an appreciation and interest in growing the Warfighter Systems business unit is required.
• Enjoys working with people, developing relationships and sharing knowledge
• Strong business acumen with the ability to integrate financial insights, market trends, and competitive assessments into strategic portfolio recommendations
• Ability to translate complex operational needs into portfolio aligned architectural requirements and cross product investment priorities
Travel/Physical:
• 25% or more travel is anticipated to ESA and customer locations/engagements worldwide
• On-site support to the Roanoke, VA facility is preferred
#LI-SB
Why Roanoke, Virginia?

• Lower cost of living
• Family-friendly area
• Career and economic growth
• Scenic beauty
• Outdoor enthusiast's dream

Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer:

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Elbit America is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The salary range listed for this position reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.
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