Software Product Manager – Snoqualmie, WA
The Opportunity
My light manufacturing client develops test equipment which scans for metal fatigue, gathers data and crunches the
results. The provide an important service to nuclear plant operators and other vital installations needing to insure the
healthy maintenance of their equipment and environment. The software this company develops drives robotic
equipment communicating remotely with a PC, collects the data and evaluates the results. Some of the company’s
software products are sold separately from their hardware. They are seeking an experienced product manager to join
their operations where they have never had a product manager before in software. This is a great opportunity for an
experienced individual to join the firm, help mentor their other product managers and set the pace for true software
product management. In this role you’ll be working with the business unit general manager, the VP of the business
unit, the software engineering manager and two other product managers who are more hardware focused. A
programming background is not required, but a good understanding of industrial software is. Working as the voice of
the customer, you would be developing business cases, developing issues, focusing on usability, driving marketing
evaluation and planning, working across the company’s functional teams and looking for additional software product
opportunities.
Responsibilities:
The individual in this position is responsible for product marketing strategy, documenting customer requirements,
analyzing the competitive landscape and managing the product portfolio. They will work with cross-functional teams
(sales, applications, engineering and manufacturing) to develop product specifications and requirements for product
development projects based on market/customer feedback.
Market analysis will include research, competitor analysis, technology assessments, defining client and market
challenges, meeting with internal and externa customers to better understand end-user needs and developing product
specifications and requirements. Quantitatively, the Product Manager will conduct market sizing and win/loss analyses
as well as measuring product performance by aligning the depth of technology with it’s impact to client. Strategy work
will include pricing/margins; preparing business use cases; managing the product life cycle; and determining optimal
buy, build or partner status. Planning responsibilities will include positioning product so that it aligns with market
requirements, publishing a product roadmap and product release schedules, constructing a sales process related to
product launches, developing use cases that define client personas and use scenarios, driving the new product
development process, and preparing launch plans and supporting on-going marketing plans. Sales activities will
include preparing and conducting channel leadership training, defining collateral requirements and sales tools,
gathering competitor comparisons and white papers for outbound marketing, preparing presentations and demos,
supporting events and defining product support requirements.
Additionally, the person in this position will be responsible for staying current with industry related codes, customer
agreements and quality assurance manuals as well as following safety policies and QA requirements.
Requirements:
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The individual in this role must be a US Citizen and may be subject to a Federal background investigation
Bachelor’s Degree in a related Science/Engineering discipline or equivalent work experience
Three to five years experience in product marketing, product management, or technical sales
Three plus years technical experience in instrumentation or complex electro-mechanical hardware
Working knowledge of marketing principles and the product development process
Ability to work independently, prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Ability to operate and lead cross-functional teams
Ability to document product specifications, product requirements and product roadmaps
Effective written and verbal communication skills with professional demeanor
Ability to create effective written presentations; experience with public speaking required
Ability to interact with high-level contacts, both internal and external to the company
Strong computer skills with experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Ability to respond to change productively and handle other duties as required
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Ability to work extended hours as required to fulfill the requirements of this position (usually 40-50 hours /
week)
Pluses / Desired, but not Required
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MBA or other business education or training
Working Conditions:
The working conditions of this position will consist of both office and electronic manufacturing plant environment with
periodic exposure to noise levels, chemical compounds and fumes associated with the manufacturing of electronic
components; epoxy, solder, etc. Travel may be required.
This position requires frequent sitting with occasional standing, walking stooping, kneeling, crouching and
reaching/working overhead. Occasionally, there is pushing, pulling and lifting/carrying of parts and equipment
weighing approximately 40-80 lbs. Occasional fine manipulation of assemblies is required. Average vision and
hearing is sufficient.
More about the Employer:
Employer leads the way with new inspection techniques driven by the needs and applications of the NDT industry.
The company delivers automated and semi-automated eddy current, ultrasound and phased array ultrasound
technology as well as remote field and magnetic flux leakage technology, to offer customers a broader range of
inspection solutions. They are committed to growing the industry through innovative testing solutions and strong
relationships throughout the industry, while maintaining a high level of quality.
For 40 years, this company has been a trusted partner in mission-critical inspections. Throughout their history, they
have been dedicated to providing the best integrated inspection solutions for the power generation industry worldwide.
They offer capabilities to make plants more competitive, safe, and efficient.
Employer provides health, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability and life insurance. A 401(k) plan is in place with
employer matching as well as a five-year vesting employee profit sharing plan. The employee stock purchase plan
provides access to stock purchases without fees and commissions as well as approximately a 5% employee discount.
A tuition reimbursement budget is available for employees in good standing for seminars and certificate programs as
well as relevant undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The firm further provides 11 paid holidays / year and
up to 120 hours of paid time off after 90 days of employment.
The company provides a family-oriented environment with teams coordinating with each other, including engineering
coordinating with manufacturing. The environment is relaxed and professional. This is a well-established company
with strong financial backing. They continue to foster an entrepreneurial environment; individuals working for the
company may need to be flexible in work assignments and willing to pitch in wherever needed.
If living outside of the Snoqualmie area, candidates should know that Snoqualmie is located 410’ up the base of the
Cascade Mountains. It is surrounded by forests, lakes, and rivers with plenty of exciting outdoor activities.
Approximately 26 miles away is Snoqualmie Pass, 3022’ high and home to ski resorts, snowboarding areas and other
year-round outdoor activities. Snoqualmie is also a short distance from Snoqualmie Falls with Salish Lodge, spa and
gourmet restaurant sitting adjacent to the falls. According to the 2010 census, the Snoqualmie population’s median
age is 33.7 years and the town’s total population is just under 11,000. The estimated household median income is
over $121 thousand. New housing developments dot the landscape with splendid views of the Cascade Mountains. A
short 30-45 minute drive takes you in to Seattle.
To Apply:
Please forward your resume to deb@debhester.biz ASAP.