We are Skyward.That is, a love for people, for improvement, for human advancement through information technology. We are a people-centered business with a desire to serve others. We are diverse and unified; creative and collaborative; a collection of complementary, not competing talents. And though on the surface we remain relaxed, beneath, a torrent of energy links us to our civic tech mission.
We stand by our values, and we won't compromise on any of them.
Integrity: We're conscientious, intentional, and empathetic. Our words and actions align. That's our character. Please don't ask us to play another part, we're poor actors.   Compassionate: If we may borrow a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Because our team is thoughtful and supportive, caring deeply for each other, our clients, and our work, this comes naturally. Inquisitive: We remain students by failing openly and turning lessons into solutions.Unconventional: For us, life isn't what happens outside of work. Work happens inside of life and our culture erases the line often dividing the two.   Authentic: Made possible only because we embody the values listed above. We're relaxed and fun yet intensely curious and driven. Team members are placed with thought, care, and precision to ensure that Trust, Truth, and Transparency continue to represent our brand.
Because of that, we continue Onward, Upward, and Skyward.
We need a Head of Product.Are you a visionary techie with a passion for turning bold ideas into real-world solutions? Do you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments where innovation and impact are the name of the game? If you're a natural at putting users first, building trust with customers, and dreaming big about the future of AI-driven products, we need you.
Come join us if you're motivated to be part of a team that values curiosity, authenticity, and forward-thinking innovation-and is committed to fostering an environment where you can thrive and make a difference.
Let's go Skyward together.

What you'll do:

• Lead our product strategy, shape the future of AI solutions, and empower our customers and internal teams.
• Build trusted relationships with customer business owners to deeply understand their needs, goals, and challenges.
• Engage directly with federal agency stakeholders to understand their challenges, objectives, and operational environments, and help paint a compelling vision of their product's future, guiding them through the art of the possible with AI and emerging technologies.
• Act as the voice of the customer, ensuring our products solve real-world problems while aligning with Skyward's mission.
• Evaluate market trends, emerging technologies, and federal agency needs to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Serve as a mentor and coach, teaching Skyward staff the principles of a product-first approach.
• Collaborate with leadership to prioritize product investments based on business objectives and ROI.
• Build trusted relationships with customers to foster collaboration and ensure long-term partnerships.
• Lead the development lifecycle of AI/ML products, from ideation and design to implementation and production.
• Leverage knowledge of federal agency missions, regulations, and procurement processes to design solutions tailored to their unique needs.
• Stay informed about policy changes and compliance requirements to ensure product relevance and adherence.

What we'd like you to have:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Business); advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years in product management, with a strong track record of delivering AI/ML solutions from inception to production.
• In-depth knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science concepts. Hands-on experience with model lifecycle management is a plus.
• Proven experience working with or delivering products for federal agencies, with a solid understanding of their missions, challenges, and regulatory landscapes.
• Exceptional ability to interact with customers, gather insights, and translate them into actionable product strategies.
• Strong communication skills to articulate product strategies and paint vivid futures for customers and internal teams.
• Strong presentation skills, capable of engaging both technical and non-technical audiences.

What would blow us away:

• You have an existing network within federal agencies and understanding of government procurement cycles.

Even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. At Skyward, we're focused on hiring individuals with the right skills and passion to grow, not just checking off every box.

And now the important part. What we offer you:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance (fully paid for employees)
• 15 days of paid leave
• 7 days of sick leave
• 2 days bereavement leave
• 11 paid Federal holidays
• Up to 40 hours for jury duty
• 401K with 4% employer contribution (and no vesting period)
• Up to 4 weeks of paid paternity and maternity leave
• Company provided laptop
• $5,000 per year for professional development
• $600 per year for technical supplies and equipment
• $2,000 referral bonus
• Life and disability insurance
• HSA and FSA
• Legal Shield and ID Shield Voluntary Benefits
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative, motivated team focused on modernizing government services with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Who says government work can't be exciting!

We know great work deserves great pay. That's why we ensure our compensation is not only competitive but also fair and transparent, as required by Maryland law. Expect a salary that matches your skills, experience, location, and the value you bring to the table -because you're worth it!At Skyward, we believe diverse teams are the key to innovation and success. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or background, can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We support flexible working hours and remote opportunities to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all employees, including caregivers and those with unique needs. Offers of employment with Skyward are contingent upon acceptable results of a background investigation.  PDN-9e14c8ae-9cfa-45ed-8747-eb35b7a5a1b7