Product Owner

Who we are:

Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions. We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

About the role: 

As a Product Owner leveraging the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), you will play a critical role in supporting the development and delivery of mission-critical technology solutions within a complex defense environment. We are seeking a proven leader and problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact setting and can drive results as part of a high-performing technical team.

In this role, you will help drive data-informed decisions, establish product priorities, and ensure the successful delivery of cybersecurity and technology capabilities. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and program leadership to align product development with organizational objectives and evolving mission requirements.

You will take ownership of product health, balancing execution, strategy, and stakeholder relationships to drive successful outcomes. This includes building and maintaining the product backlog for Program Increment (PI) Planning, collaborating with Product Management and technical leadership, and shaping the product roadmap as priorities evolve.

Day to day, you will gather and validate requirements, develop a deep understanding of the business and technical objectives behind the team's work, and ensure development efforts align with broader program goals. You will manage product roadmaps, oversee delivery execution, and provide strategic direction while adapting to shifting priorities.

Strong technical aptitude, the ability to understand complex software solutions, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential to success in this role.

 

What we are looking for: 

• 15+ years of experience in program, project, or product management with a focus on SAFe and/or Scrum Agile frameworks
• Proven ability to align with Product and Delivery leadership to prioritize the product backlog
• Experience defining product functionality and writing detailed user stories and epics with strong end-user empathy
• Demonstrated skill managing sprints, including planning, review, and acceptance of completed work
• Ability to apply SAFe Agile methods to support disciplined software development and frequent inspection
• Clear, effective communication of product vision and user stories to both technical teams and clients
• Track record of delivering product acceptance criteria and ensuring quality outcomes
• Comfortable thriving in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and driving clarity where needed
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience engaging with senior DoD stakeholders
• Ability to balance day-to-day execution with long-term strategic thinking

Highly preferred:

• Experience working with DoD customers
• Track record of managing program financials, including P&L ownership
• Familiarity with data security practices
• SAFe POPM or APM certification

 Clearance Requirements:

• Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI

Salary: $130,000.00 - $170,000.00

Work Type:

• Work is performed on-site in Colorado Springs.

What we will offer you: 

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
• Education & training benefits
• Generous Referral Bonuses
• And More!

Our Vision Statement: 

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission. 

Our Customer Obsession: 

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there? 

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm. 

Raft’s core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our “nadi” by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.