Lead - Defense System

Company Brief:Planys is a deep-tech company developing mission-critical robotic and digital systems fordefence and strategic infrastructure. The company designs and builds unmanned systemsand advanced sensing solutions across underwater, maritime, and land domains, with astrong focus on naval, coast guard, and army applications. Planys is actively engaged in thedevelopment of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) ranging from small to extra-largeplatforms, along with ruggedised electronic and digital systems for armoured vehicles.Leveraging its strong foundation in marine robotics, underwater inspection, and non-destructive evaluation (NDT), Planys integrates defence-grade electronics, sensing, and dataanalytics to deliver high-reliability systems suitable for harsh operational environments.

Thecompany combines platform engineering, payload integration, and AI-enabled digitalanalytics to support situational awareness, asset integrity assessment, and data-drivendecision-making for defence forces and strategic asset operators.

Planys, globally recognised for strategic infrastructure solutions, is now focused on creating astrong and enduring presence in the defence sector, delivering indigenous unmanned anddigital systems for the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. (Website: )

Designation: Product ManagerSpecialization Defence

Role & Responsibilities1. Product Ownership & StrategyOwn end-to-end lifecycle of AUV and land robotic systems from concept to deployment (TRL progression to field-ready systems).Translate mission requirements into clear product specifications, balancing performance, cost, and deployability.Drive product roadmap aligned with defence priorities (Navy, Army, Coast Guard) and company strategy.

• Engineering Interface & Technical GovernanceAct as the bridge between engineering and end-users; ensure output is aligned with operational needs.Review and steer engineering deliverables across mechanical, electrical, software, controls, and payload integration.Drive design reviews, trade-offs, and system-level decisions without micromanaging execution teams.
• Program Execution OversightOversee timelines, budgets, fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and validation cycles.Ensure structured execution through technical reviews, milestone tracking, and risk management.Identify bottlenecks and drive resolution across functions (engineering, supply chain, operations).
• Field Readiness & Deployment (TRL-9 Focus)Ensure products achieve operational reliability and usability for real-world deployment.Drive validation through field trials, user feedback loops, and iterative improvements.Establish standards for QA/QC, documentation, certification, and acceptance.Participation and leading key product trials is a must.
• Stakeholder & Customer ManagementServe as SPOC for key defence and strategic customers.Engage with users to understand mission needs, refine requirements, and build long-term confidence.Support demonstrations, trials, and technical discussions with customers and partners.
• Business & Commercial AlignmentWork with sales on costing, pricing, and business models for products and programs.Support bid responses (RFP/RFI), technical proposals, and program positioning.Contribute to revenue realization through product-market fit and delivery credibility.
• Ecosystem & Market IntelligenceTrack global and Indian defence robotics landscape, including competitors and emerging technologies.Identify opportunities via programs such as iDEX, Make, and strategic partnerships.Benchmark products against international systems and drive competitive positioning.
• Innovation & Product ExpansionIdentify new applications, payload integrations, and adjacent product opportunities.Drive cross-platform reuse (AUV, land systems, inspection robotics where relevant).Propose and shape new product initiatives aligned with company growth.
• Compliance, Documentation & IPREnsure adherence to defence standards, certification requirements, and documentation rigor.Oversee product documentation (design, test, production, handover).Monitor and safeguard intellectual property across products.

Note: Travel RequirementActive participation and leadership in key product trials is essential. The role requires frequent travel, including extended assignments within India and abroad. Candidates unwilling to travel should not apply.

Eligibility/ Qualification RequirementsBachelor's or master's degree in engineering (Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Robotics / Aerospace / Naval Architecture or related). Advanced degree preferred but not mandatory.5-8 years of relevant experience in robotics, defence systems, autonomous platforms, or complex engineering product development.Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams (with or without direct reporting), drive alignment across engineering and business functions.Proven ability to define, implement, and institutionalize structured processes across product development and program executionPrior exposure to unmanned systems (AUV/UAV/UGV), marine systems, defence electronics, or ruggedised platforms is strongly preferred.Demonstrated experience in owning and delivering engineering products/programs end-to-end, including design, development, testing, and deployment.Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary systems (mechanical, electrical, embedded systems, software/control systems) with ability to review and challenge technical decisions.Hands-on involvement in testing, field trials, or operational deployment of engineering systems; ability to translate field feedback into product improvements.Experience working with external stakeholders (customers, government bodies, defence agencies, or industrial clients) and handling technical discussions.Basic exposure to costing, proposals, or business aspects of engineering products; ability to align product decisions with market needs.

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