Director Product Line (WPNS)

Advanced Acoustic Concepts, LLC

Advanced Acoustic Concepts, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thales Defense & Security Inc., is a technical leader in the fields of sonar systems, sonar signal processing, acoustic training systems, and open‑architecture system and software integration. The venture focuses on emerging areas in the undersea warfare domain where the customer has identified mission‑critical needs. For additional information about Advanced Acoustic Concepts, please visit our website at

Job Title

Director I Product Line (WPNS)

Job Location

Clarksburg, MD.

Local candidates preferred (MD, VA). Candidates may be considered for a hybrid/remote work arrangement temporarily, with the understanding that this position will be expected to report to the Clarksburg, MD location by/after December 2026. Relocation will not be provided.

Position Summary

Direct and define principal market requirements, which result in the formulation of the overall business strategy and generate annual business plans for new programs and/or products. Responsible for management of the company's product lines and their growth through strategic product planning and marketing. This includes assessing needs and opportunities for new and existing products through research and feasibility analysis, developing new product specifications, following product through all stages to product launch, and maintaining market position by managing existing product lines and competitive market information. Participates in product modification, cost reduction, margin analysis, product promotion and positioning, forecasting, and pricing strategies.

Primary and Essential Accountabilities

• Direct and define principal market requirements that inform overall business strategy and annual business plans.
• Maintain a Product Roadmap and IR&D Budget Plan, briefed and approved by Senior Management, updated periodically throughout the year and covering a 3‑year period.
• Analyze and define the market for overall product strategies and opportunities, including new technologies, joint venture opportunities, or other business opportunities.
• Coordinate with the Business Development (BD) team to solicit customer requirements, guide the Product Roadmap, and identify capabilities for expansion into new markets.
• Work with Program Teams to determine solutions for emerging needs, developing a plan to address new features and capabilities through customer funding and IR&D. Develop goals, budget, and strategic business plans.
• Define strategic framework for all product concepts and technology road maps.
• Work with Program/Technical teams to assess cost, schedule, and feasibility of adding new features or products and identify customer funding when possible.
• Use innovative solutions and constructive thinking to recognize market trends and directions, helping develop annual business plans outlining key product line strategies and tactical action plans.
• Work with BD to define overall market size and timing, prepare business cases and present to Senior Management to determine if IR&D investment is warranted.
• Engage with Program/Technical teams to ensure program/project level decisions align with product strategy and that ancillaries are common across products when possible; participate in all program design reviews (Bid Reviews, post‑award Kick‑Off, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PRR).
• Update senior management monthly with strategic plan overviews.
• Initiate, lead, and direct new business proposal efforts; mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, and negotiations.
• Represent the company in industry presentations, technology‑based symposiums, and other technology or industry‑driven functions, domestic and abroad.
• Deliver quarterly business strategy plans to supplement annual strategic business plans.
• Develop financial plans to support business plans.
• Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values, and culture of the organization.
• Support Business Capture activities and proposal development, including technical writing, cost development, capture strategy (win themes, discriminators, price to win).
• Ensure product/business line orders, sales, profit, and operational cash flow performance meet or exceed annual business plan commitments.
• Supervise Product Line/Program Managers and Engineering Subject Matter Experts assigned to the business unit.
• Support strategic partnerships to achieve program growth and independently solve problems with recommend/implement solutions.
• Communicate effectively, actively listen, and provide feedback with internal and external customers.
• Recommend market strategies to expand sales and profitability.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's operating policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, developing employees, assigning and directing work, performing performance appraisals, rewarding, managing employee discipline, addressing complaints, and resolving conflicts. Active mentoring and development of staff is a critical element of the supervisory responsibilities to create a highly performing cohesive team.

Secondary Accountabilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Assist management with special projects and assignments as requested.
• Support business plans, acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 10 years of experience. 15+ years of experience with 4+ years in a supervisory capacity preferred.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with U.S. Navy customers and programs, including NAVSEA, NAVAIR, Naval Warfare Centers, and U.S. Navy Fleet commands.
• Applicant(s) selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet requirements to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• Ability to motivate and lead a sales team.
• Ability to develop market strategies for various divisions (products), utilizing existing and new selling channels.
• Demonstrated experience in international marketing and sales management.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proven track record of successful sales/product management/business development for technology products in the commercial and government industries.
• Experience with NSA Certified products or products subject to Risk Management Framework (RMF) a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
• Ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with external and internal customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint & Project or equivalents.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting (up to 10 lbs.): up to 25% of time.
• Walking: up to 50% of time.
• Climbing, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling: up to 10% of time.
• Standing: up to 25% of time.
• Sitting: up to 50% of time.
• Travel: up to 50% of time.

Benefits

The company offers a full spectrum of benefits including healthcare benefits, paid time off, holidays, tuition assistance, life insurance, short/long term disability and other insurance plans, subject to eligibility or requirements. Eligible employees may enroll in the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes a matching percentage. This position is also eligible for a bonus plan in addition to the base pay range listed above.

Schedule

• 9/80 work schedule, every other Friday off. Other flexible schedules may be available.
• Hybrid remote.

EEO and Background Check

Advanced Acoustic Concepts, LLC is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal and state laws. AAC is an E-Verify employer.

Privacy Notice for Job Applicants

We collect personal information in this application to evaluate your qualifications for employment and to comply with applicable legal requirements. Your information will be kept confidential and used only for employment‑related purposes. Where required by law, you have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information. If you have questions about how your information is handled, please contact

Nearest Major Market

Washington DC

Our Mission

Innovation Enabled, Mission Focused.

Core Values

The Company values the talent, experience and diversity of its employees and seeks to foster a culture that is open, honest, fair, and equitable. We strive to accomplish this through adherence to our core values of Integrity, Quality, Customer Focus, Innovation, and Diversity & Inclusion.

INTEGRITY: As a people of integrity, we firmly adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles, and strive to do what is right. We value a culture of trust, honesty, and respect. We demand ethical thinking and conduct, whereby ethics and accountability always come first.

QUALITY: We set high standards of performance for ourselves and others to consistently deliver excellent products and services. We adhere to quality levels demanded by our customers and assume responsibility and accountability to achieve excellence.

CUSTOMER FOCUS: We work to create ongoing and mutually beneficial long‑term relationships with customers based on trust. We go above and beyond to meet customer needs and strive to exceed their expectations.

INNOVATION: We believe in investing in innovation that makes a positive impact through our technology and products. We continue to foster an environment that rewards innovation and effective change.

RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE: We continually foster an environment that values different points of view and enables all employees to contribute to their full potential. We cooperate together as a respectful workforce serving our population.

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