Product Line Director in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Attalon, Inc.

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Attalon, located in Northeast Philadelphia, specializes in the manufacture of precision patterned optics, calibration grids, reticles, and specialty patterned products for the commercial and defense markets. The Philadelphia site is located in close proximity to major highways and transportation hubs, providing easy access to the surrounding Bucks County and Center City Philadelphia areas. The Greater Philadelphia area is a dynamic economic hub that combines world-class healthcare, education, and industrial sectors with rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, making it an ideal region for both career advancement and quality living.

Job Summary

The Product Line Director (PLD) is responsible for leading the strategy, financial performance, and lifecycle execution of a designated product line serving the Aerospace & Defense industry. This role provides hands-on leadership of the local Program Management team while also serving as a corporate leader among peers across multiple Attalon sites. The PLD helps establish and reinforce corporate program and program management standards, ensuring alignment with industry best practices. Success requires a player-coach mindset, balancing execution with broader organizational guidance and collaboration. The role offers exposure to the business leadership team.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the product line strategy aligned for products in Precision Coatings Segment. Ensure strategy is aligned with Attalon’s objectives and customer needsLead creation and execution of product roadmaps, including capability evolution, release planning, and investment prioritiesManage full product lifecycle activities from concept to end-of-life, including product improvements and portfolio optimizationDevelop strong customer relationships and build customer trust through exceptional program execution and product performanceServe as a leader among peers across sites, defining, improving, and enforcing corporate program and product management standards. Drive alignment across teams via consistent processes, tools, metrics, and reporting frameworksAct as a player-coach directly managing the local Program Management team while occasionally performing Program Management duties on assigned programsMaintain responsibility for product financial performance including pricing, revenue, margin, bookings, and demand forecastsTrack KPIs and lead data-driven performance reviewsCollaborate with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain and Quality to ensure product successSupport capture activities, proposals and customer engagementsPartner with senior leadership on long-range planning and investment strategies

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance or related field10+ years of experience in product management, program management, or leading technical programs in Aerospace & Defense manufacturing business6+ years leading program, product management or technical development teamsExperience with developing product strategies, roadmaps, and financial plansDemonstrated ability to lead in a matrixed environmentStrong communication skills with ability to brief senior leadershipAbility to travel for customer visits and cross-site meetingsAbility to receive a SECRET security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance or a related field10+ years of experience in product or program managementFormal Program Management CertificationExperience mentoring or coaching peer professionalsDemonstrated ability to “lead by influence”

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.