Product Manager - Hardware

The Judge Group is recruiting for an unnamed client seeking a Product Manager - Hardware (MVS). The role owns the lifecycle and performance of mobile video surveillance hardware, guiding product strategy and development and coordinating launches, compliance, manufacturing, and deployments for public transit agencies.

Responsibilities:

• Product Strategy & Roadmap: Develop and communicate a market‑driven product vision and 12–18-month hardware roadmap. Identify strategic investments through market trends, customer feedback, and competitive analysis. Ensure alignment with client’s software platform strategy
• Requirements & Market Analysis: Conduct market research and customer discovery to understand transit agency needs. Translate insights into clear, feasible hardware requirements in coordination with sales and engineering (hardware, firmware, software)
• Cross‑Functional Leadership: Collaborate across engineering, sales, regional management, and other teams to drive coordinated development and delivery. Bridge hardware and software initiatives to ensure a unified product suite
• Product Development Guidance: Oversee hardware development from concept through prototyping, design, testing, and production. Manage backlog prioritization, cross‑team dependencies, and release schedules. Ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery with high quality
• User Experience & Deployment Design: Champion user‑centric design to ensure hardware is straightforward to install, operate, and maintain. Optimize physical design elements and ensure an intuitive combined hardware–software experience for maintenance, IT, and operations staff
• Competitive Analysis: Monitor competitor offerings and emerging technologies to identify threats and opportunities. Use insights to refine roadmap and maintain product differentiation
• Go‑to‑Market Strategy: Develop and execute go‑to‑market plans, including positioning, pricing, and sales enablement. Partner with Finance and Sales on pricing and business cases. Lead launch activities and cross‑functional readiness
• Product Lifecycle Management: Manage hardware from introduction through upgrades, revisions, and end‑of‑life. Make data‑driven decisions on revisions, legacy support, warranty strategies, and timing of transitions to minimize customer disruption
• Testing, Compliance & Manufacturing: Work with QA, compliance, and operations to ensure rigorous testing, required certifications, and high production quality. Coordinate with supply chain on sourcing, component changes, and manufacturing issues
• Product Delivery & Deployment: Partner with program management and operations to align release schedules, inventory, and customer deployment timelines. Support sales and project teams in ensuring smooth rollouts and resolving installation challenges

Requirements:

• Deep industry knowledge of on-board video surveillance hardware used in public transportation
• Strong technical background and understanding of hardware engineering principles
• Familiarity with video surveillance and networking technologies, including camera imaging/optics, video encoding & storage (e.g. DVR/NVR systems), wireless communication, and cellular connectivity (4G/5G routers)
• Practical knowledge of communication methods, protocols, and options (wired, wireless, TCP/IP)
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and industry standards for hardware devices across various geographic regions (NA, EMEA, APAC, LATAM), including certification processes (FCC, UL, CE, RED or similar), cybersecurity standards for connected devices, and regional transit requirements
• Demonstrated success in complex, technical hardware product development and launching innovative products from concept to market
• Data-driven and iterative mindset with experience using product metrics to guide decision-making, including OKRs and/or KPIs
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with agile development methodologies and project management tools
• Familiarity with user experience design principles and market research techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, Board members, Committee members, or other outside partners
• 5 + years of experience in hardware product management required
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
• Experience may be acceptable in lieu of degree
• Strong knowledge of quality systems and processes
• Expertise in structured Root Cause/Countermeasure Problem Solving methodologies (such as 8D, 5W2H, A3, or others)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft procedures and lead customer calls
• Proficient in reading and interpreting drawings, specifications, and technical documents
• Capable of leading cross-functional teams and effectively training others
• Process-oriented, analytical, and detail-focused
• Ability to perform well in a fast-paced multi-tasking environment
• 5 + years of experience in hardware product management required, preferably with IoT devices or electronic systems
• Prior experience in managing mobile or transportation industry products strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field preferred
• An advanced degree is preferred
• Practical knowledge and leadership experience in lean management system preferred