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 provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to the United States Space Force (USSF) for the Digital Bloodhound program. A successful candidate is a proven leader and problem solver who can deliver results as part of a high-performing team in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

In this role, you will support the Defense Cyber Operations-Space (DCO-S) organization by driving data-informed decisions that maximize the Service's flexibility and efficiency in delivering cybersecurity capabilities to protect the USSF's Operational Enterprise.

You will take full ownership of program health - balancing execution, strategy, and relationship management to drive mission success. This means building and maintaining the product backlog for PI planning, developing relationships with the government Product Manager and key stakeholders, and shaping the product and program roadmap as priorities and customer needs evolve. Day to day, you will chase down and validate requirements with stakeholders, develop a deep understanding of the "why" behind the team's work, and ensure that work connects to the broader program strategy. You will manage product roadmaps, oversee delivery execution, and provide strategic leadership - all while adapting to shifting requirements to keep the team on track. A strong technical aptitude and the ability to learn the product deeply are critical 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, ideally within the USSF ecosystem
• 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: 

• $150,000.00 - $180,000.00

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.