Work at a Startup

Product Manager, Hardware

Somewear’s software platform and satellite-powered hardware enable commercial and government teams to maintain situational awareness during high-pressure operations — in any environment. From the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific, Somewear’s technology is trusted by those operating on the edge of connectivity to keep teams in touch, informed, and safe. Our mission is to save lives by enabling critical communications for the world’s most important teams.

We’re expanding our technology into unmanned systems — including autonomous platforms, sensors, and robotics; new satellite constellations; and more diverse networks and we’re looking for a Hardware Product Manager to drive the development of new hardware and software products tailored for seamless integration into these systems.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of product development, systems integration, and operational execution. You will own our hardware portfolio end-to-end, from early requirements through field deployment — with a particular focus on delivering new hardware solutions in Somewear’s communication portfolio that are designed top-to-bottom to be part of the everyday kit used by elite operators.

Location: Chicago, IL

Clearance Requirement: U.S. Persons only (Citizens or Permanent Residents)

What You’ll Do

• Lead cross-functional programs focused on integrating Somewear’s communications and data-routing capabilities into unmanned systems (air, ground, maritime).

• Drive product lifecycle from concept through design, validation, and production — including hardware prototyping and system-level integration.

• Own program execution for government-funded R&D initiatives with a hardware focus - including timeline, milestone, and deliverable management in coordination with customer stakeholders.

• Define and track key program metrics including risk, schedule, cost, and technical performance; proactively identify and resolve issues across internal and external teams.

• Partner with mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to deliver reliable, field-ready solutions that meet the rugged demands of unmanned and autonomous platforms.

• Coordinate integration efforts with third-party unmanned platform providers and government end users to ensure ease of adoption.

• Support factory readiness, pre-production builds, and transition to production — including supplier coordination and BOM management.

• Build and maintain strong technical relationships with key customers and vendors in the defense and aerospace ecosystem.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience managing hardware development in defense, aerospace, or robotics industries.

• Exposure to unmanned systems (e.g. Group 1–5 UAS, USVs) — ideally with hands-on integration or deployment experience.

• Familiarity with SDK development and API-based integration strategies for embedded systems.

• Strong understanding of hardware development and manufacturing (PCBA, enclosures, prototyping, DVT/PVT).

• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Naturally manage ambiguity and navigate between engineering, operations, product, go-to-market, and government stakeholders.

• Technical fluency with mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and CAD models.

• Experience executing U.S. government-funded programs (SBIR, OTA, FAR/DFARS contracts, etc.) a strong plus.

What You'll Love About Somewear

• You will own mission-critical programs from concept to deployment.

• You will help shape the future of our hardware products.

• You will work with a high-caliber, driven team that builds fast and supports each other relentlessly.

• You will directly support fielded systems used by military, emergency response, and public safety teams around the world.