Senior Product Manager, UTM & Flight Ops
9 days ago
Detroit
Job DescriptionDescription: Airspace Link is a fast-growing Series B startup shaping the future of drone operations. We provide innovative software solutions that enable safe, scalable, and integrated drone flights in communities nationwide. As an FAA-approved provider of LAANC airspace authorizations, B4UFLY safety checks, and standards-compliant UTM services, we serve as the air traffic control system for drones, supporting cities, states, and federal agencies while enabling private industry to thrive in the emerging drone economy. Job Summary: We’re looking for a Senior Product Manager to lead the strategy and execution of Airspace Link’s UTM and Flight Operations capabilities. Reporting to the VP of Product, you will define how operators plan, manage, and scale drone operations within the National Airspace System. You’ll work closely with engineering, design, data, regulatory, and customer-facing teams to deliver reliable, compliant, and intuitive products supporting both routine and advanced drone missions. This role is ideal for an accomplished product leader passionate about aviation innovation who thrives in technical domains, translates complex regulatory and operational requirements into clear product direction, and enjoys building systems that meaningfully improve airspace safety and operational efficiency. You will own the UTM and Flight Operations roadmap, serve as a key member of integrated product and engineering teams, drive cross-functional alignment, and ensure our capabilities evolve to meet the needs of operators, agencies, and industry partners. Duties and Responsibilities • Lead the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for Airspace Link’s UTM and Flight Operations capabilities, ensuring alignment with company objectives and measurable customer outcomes., • Translate aviation, regulatory, and operational requirements into clear product requirements, workflows, and user experiences., • Partner with engineering, design, and data teams to deliver features that are reliable, scalable, and compliant with evolving industry standards., • Attend and eventually represent Airspace Link in UTM-related technical and operation committees., • Ensure Airspace Link’s products align with and influence the development of UTM, interoperability, and aviation standards critical to future operations., • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, enterprise customers, regulators, and OEM integration partners to deliver cohesive, high-value UTM services and integrations., • Partner with the VP of Product to drive positioning, messaging, pricing, and go-to-market strategies for new capabilities and product launches., • Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and inform long-term product strategy., • Promote a hypothesis-driven, customer-focused approach to problem solving, encouraging experimentation and innovation within the product and engineering teams. Travel Required: Up to 20% Position Type: Full-Time, 45-55 hours per week Location: Hybrid or Remote Requirements: Required • 7+ years of product management experience and a track record of leading complex, technical, or operational products; Demonstrated ability to define product strategy, lead roadmapping, and drive execution across cross-functional teams., • Experience in aviation, UTM, unmanned systems, defense, or a similar regulated/mission-critical domain., • Experience working with APIs, data-driven systems, or real-time operational platforms., • Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills with the ability to simplify complexity and make clear prioritization decisions., • Excellent communication skills—capable of influencing stakeholders across engineering, design, leadership, customers, and external partners., • Comfortable working in evolving, ambiguous environments where industry standards, regulations, and technologies are rapidly evolving., • Familiarity with FAA rules, ASTM standards, UAS operations, or airspace management concepts., • Experience with hardware/software integrations, OEM partnerships, or ecosystem platforms., • Participation in standards bodies, working groups, or industry committees (e.g., ASTM, GUTMA, ICAO)., • Background in or exposure to operational risk, safety management systems, or mission-planning tools., • Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business needs into actionable product requirements, • Strategic mindset paired with strong execution discipline., • Ability to influence without authority and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders., • Curiosity, adaptability, and a proactive approach to learning new technologies and regulatory frameworks., • Customer-centric thinking with an instinct for uncovering user needs and validating problem statements., • Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to move quickly while maintaining high standards for safety, reliability, and compliance., • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.