Product Operations Lead (defense tech)

About us: We are an international defense startup, rapidly expanding to support the Ukrainian national needs. As a startup, we operate in a highly flexible environment where agility, adaptability, and a hands-on approach are critical for success.

Position Overview

The Product Operations Lead is responsible for ensuring the successful operational execution of our products throughout their lifecycle. This role serves as the owner for operational success and central coordinator between Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales, Customer Support, Quality, and customers to ensure products are delivered correctly, customer requirements are implemented, and operational processes continuously improve.

The Product Operations Lead focuses on execution rather than product strategy. They ensure product information, documentation, customer requirements, and operational readiness are aligned across all stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational activities throughout the product lifecycle, from product introduction through production and ongoing support
• Ensure operational readiness for new product launches, product updates, and customer-specific configurations
• Serve as an operational point of contact for customers regarding product changes, configuration questions, and implementation planning
• Coordinate implementation of product improvements and operational changes across departments
• Develop and maintain operational KPIs related to product delivery, customer requests, documentation status, and improvement initiatives
• Monitor product performance and identify opportunities for operational improvements
• Ensure Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Service, Sales, and Customer Support are prepared for product releases and act as the primary operational liaison for these teams
• Facilitate communication to ensure all stakeholders understand product updates, operational impacts, and customer requirements
• Ensure customer orders are delivered according to the approved product configuration and contractual requirements
• Coordinate customer-specific product options and configurations with internal teams
• Support Sales and Customer Success in evaluating operational feasibility of customer requests
• Coordinate preparation and maintenance of operational product documentation required for customers and regulatory authorities
• Identify operational bottlenecks affecting product delivery, quality, or customer experience
• Lead and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives
• Coordinate operational readiness activities for new products and product updates
• Verify that required documentation, training materials, and operational processes are in place before release and constantly updated

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in Product Operations, Technical Project/Program Management, Manufacturing Operations, or a related role
• Experience working with complex hardware products and understanding of the hardware product lifecycle
• Proven experience coordinating cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Sales, and Customer Support
• Strong project management skills, including prioritization, dependency management, risk tracking, and execution follow-through
• Experience coordinating product configurations, customer-specific requirements, and product changes
• Strong analytical skills and experience defining and tracking operational KPIs
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to work directly with customers
• Ability to translate technical and customer requirements into clear operational actions
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly around product documentation and configuration accuracy
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment
• At least upper-Intermediate English proficiency

As a Plus

• Experience in UAV, aerospace, robotics, electronics, defense-tech, automotive, or other complex hardware industries
• Understanding of manufacturing processes

We Offer

• Full-time position & official employment
• Competitive salary (determined individually based on experience and interview results)
• Paid vacation and sick leave in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, plus additional days off for self-care
• Medical insurance
• Reservation from mobilization
• Friendly and people-oriented team culture
• Opportunity to contribute to an innovative and impactful product

Please note: If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of submitting your application, it means that we have decided not to move forward with your application at this time. We truly appreciate your interest in joining our team and the time you invested in applying. Thank you for your understanding!