Product Manager

Skana Robotics is a defense-tech startup building the future of the maritime domain through autonomous systems and fleet-level software. We operate at the fascinating junction of AI, robotics, and the sea. We build both hardware and software, featuring an amazing team and a hangar full of autonomous vessels.

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically oriented ASV Product Manager to lead the development and execution of complex multidisciplinary products. This role combines product ownership with program execution responsibilities and serves as a key interface between engineering teams, customers, operations, and company leadership.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, possesses strong technical background, and has proven experience driving sophisticated systems from concept through deployment and operational use.

In this role, you will own multidisciplinary product management spanning the full development journey from the lab, through the production floor, to sea and field conditions. You will work with vessels operated both via remote tele-operation and in full autonomy. You will develop vessels of varying sizes and challenges, driven by the evolving demand across the industry and the global maritime domain.

Product Management

• Define and maintain product requirements based on customer needs, operational use cases, and business objectives.
• Develop and manage product roadmaps, ensuring alignment with company strategy and customer priorities.
• Translate high-level requirements into clear technical specifications and actionable development plans.
• Work closely with customers, business stakeholders, and engineering teams to continuously refine product capabilities.
• Support product validation, demonstrations, field deployments, and feedback collection.

Project Management

• Lead end-to-end execution of multidisciplinary development programs, from concept and design through integration, testing, and delivery.
• Build and maintain development plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Track progress, identify risks and dependencies, and drive mitigation plans.
• Coordinate activities across software, AI, embedded, electrical, mechanical, autonomy, and systems engineering teams.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication and ensure alignment between all stakeholders.
• Manage external vendors, subcontractors, and strategic partners as needed.

Systems Integration & Field Activities

• Support system integration efforts and verification activities.
• Participate in field demonstrations, operational trials, and sea trials when required.
• Ensure that products meet performance, reliability, and mission requirements.
• Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement processes following deployments and testing activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field experience.
• 3–5+ years of experience in Product Management, Program Management, Technical Project Management, Systems Engineering, or a similar role.
• Strong technical understanding of complex multidisciplinary systems combining hardware and software.
• Experience managing development efforts in a startup, robotics, defense-tech, or deep-tech environment.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive execution in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Nice to Have

• Experience in autonomous systems, unmanned platforms, or maritime technologies.
• Familiarity with AI-based systems, embedded software, sensors, communication systems, or mission management platforms.
• Experience supporting integration activities, field testing, and operational demonstrations.
• Maritime domain knowledge or experience participating in sea trials is an advantage but not required.