About Arkeus

Arkeus is a world leader in the provision of wide-area autonomous optical search systems in the Search, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance space for Defence, Civil Defence and Environmental Sustainment applications. We specialise in the design, fabrication, manufacture and distribution of these innovative systems.

Backed by the billion-dollar deep-tech and industry expert investors Main Sequence, Beaten Zone Venture Partners, and Salus Ventures we are scaling the deployment of our next-generation hardware-enabled software platform to help our customers improve security and save lives.

We are a small yet fast-growing company with energy, passion and ambition. Our inclusive, transparent and merit-based culture focuses on building a diverse and capable workforce - one that attracts skilled individuals who share our purpose and values.

About the role:

As a Product Owner at Arkeus, you will lead a cross-functional team of specialist engineers in a high-performing Product Team, applying systems engineering best practices to design, develop, verify, validate, and field novel technologies in demanding environments.

You will own the product roadmap and the full product lifecycle-from customer engagement, requirements capture and decomposition, design and development, verification and validation, through to delivery into manufacturing and continuous improvement. Working closely with program management, technical leads, and Arkeus leadership, you will navigate the complex trade-space of time, cost, quality, and responsiveness while maintaining the overall product vision.

Your leadership will be pivotal - enabling the team by addressing daily challenges, providing strategic and technical guidance, and ensuring alignment with customer needs on a product roadmap that may represent some of the most technically challenging and innovative work within Arkeus, where your ability to manage this complexity will be central to the team’s success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and communicate the product vision, goals, and roadmap, aligned with Arkeus strategic vision and customer operational needs.
• Lead and mentor the Product Team, building strengths and addressing weaknesses to ensure high performance.
• Engage directly with customers and Arkeus leadership, reporting progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Drive requirements capture, prioritisation, and management, balancing technical and customer priorities.
• Oversee design, verification, validation, and product trials, ensuring quality and on-time delivery.
• Ensure seamless transition of products into manufacturing and ongoing production.
• Deliver compelling customer experiences across every stage of the roadmap.
  
  

About You:

• Confident in full accountability for your product for both Hardware and Software.
• Skilled in communicating technical and non-technical aspects of the product to both customers and leadership.
• Knowledgeable in the defence operational environment, with the ability to manage trials, and demonstrations.
• Motivated to align product strategy with customer needs and operational realities.
• Strategic in maintaining the big picture, while pragmatic in addressing day-to-day delivery challenges.
• Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence security clearance.

Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years’ experience in the Defence industry.
• Demonstrated success in Product Ownership, Product Management, or Technical Project Management.
• Strong track record of leading cross-functional teams in high-tempo environments.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, as required.
• Experience in aviation, uncrewed air vehicles, or optical systems is advantageous.

What we offer:

• Be part of something extraordinary – join a company at the forefront of Australian innovation, delivering technologies that make a real impact.
• Work alongside proven leaders – collaborate with experienced professionals from aerospace, defence, and academia who bring deep expertise and the same passion and energy you do.
• Thrive in a close-knit culture – become part of an inclusive, connected team in a dynamic scale-up environment. We hire the best, so you’ll be surrounded by like-minded professionals who inspire through their capability and drive.
• Enjoy flexibility and balance – benefit from workplace flexibility and a strong commitment to work–life balance.
• Develop the next generation – mentor emerging talent through our sought-after internship program and strong partnerships with leading universities.
• Share in our success – take advantage of our Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) and grow with us from the ground up.
• Make a real difference – contribute to work that matters, with tangible impact for customers and industry.

If this sounds like you, please apply even if you don't check every box listed above, and join our growing team in improving security and saving lives!