Director of Product

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology companyfocused on dynamic space operations.We are building a fleet ofdual-use multipurposerobotic space vehiclestocreate thefuture where maneuvering upgrading refuelingresupplyand exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained responsive operations possible we enable a new era of spaceexplorationthat strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense hands-on and deeply rewarding. Youll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility craftsmanship and doing things the right way even when its harder. Youll work closely with thoughtful driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

WhatYoullDo

• Own andmaintaina unified HW/SW product strategy connecting Katalyst software and hardware offerings to company priorities customer needs and defense requirements.

• Own publish and continuously refine an integrated cross-product roadmap that aligns software hardware and defense-focused initiatives with clear timelines dependencies and delivery milestones.

• Drive product consolidation and positioning by transforming loosely defined software and defense capabilities into clearly positioned products with defined requirements timelines and go-to-market narratives in close coordination with engineering marketing and leadership.

• Create and own market requirements for each product in the HW/SW portfolio.

• Build feature-level business cases tied to customer value and company priorities.

• Partner with engineering to assess system architecture and technical feasibility.

• Implement a stage-gate process to ensure sales and BD opportunities align with product maturity and technical baselines.

• Ensure sales and BD teams haveaccurateproduct materials to engage customers effectively.

• Manage and mentor product managers aligned to individual products and their activities.

WhatWereLooking For

• Technical depth and fluency: You have systems-level technical fluency in SW and HW architectures: data systems spacecraft HW constraints and their integration and a strong ability to architect products evaluating feasibility and translating that into product decisions roadmaps and priorities.

• Ability tooperatein ambiguity: Youhave the ability totake unstructured incomplete problem spaces and create clarity direction and momentum.

• Execution leadership: You can drive product execution alignment and delivery across engineering leadership and stakeholders owning outcomes timelines and quality in a resource-constrained environment.

• Customer POV and value proposition: You have a strong understanding of who the buyers are how government and commercial customers evaluate andprocuretechnology and how to translate technical capabilities into clear value propositions product positioning and GTM alignment.

Your Ideal Background

• Product-minded with a strong understanding of market value propositions combined with technical fluency in space systems design.

• 3 years of experience as a Product Manager (or equivalent) owning technically complex hardware-enabled products; senior product management experience strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated hardware productexpertise including direct ownership of product definition delivery and lifecycle decisions.

• Experience working with hardware products preferably in deep-tech industries such as robotics aerospace energy or other advanced technology sectors.

• Experience leading and managing product teams with accountability for product outcomes and cross-functional coordination.

• Experience owning upstream product and marketing including customer discovery demand signals and visibility into the customer pipeline.

• Experience managing a portfolio of integrated technologies and driving new product development (not sustainment-only work).

• Background in space operations or technical engineering is desired.

• Ideally an engineer who transitioned into product management and brings deep technical credibility to product decisions.

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $190000 - $210000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical vision and dental coverage and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130 which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information and as a result Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or national origin.