📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Product Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: Thales
🔹 Location: Irvine, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 office days per week)
🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: June 24, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing product line evolution and commercial performance
- Conducting market analysis and competitive intelligence
- Developing go-to-market strategies and sales enablement materials
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive product success
- Traveling domestically and internationally (20-40%)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, analytical skills, and strong communication to effectively manage product lines and collaborate with various teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage product line evolution and commercial performance throughout its lifecycle
✅ Conduct market analysis, segmentation, and competitive positioning
✅ Develop and execute go-to-market strategies and sales enablement materials
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Delivery, Strategy, Business Development, Customer Success, and Sales
✅ Represent Thales as a subject matter expert at industry events and trade shows
✅ Support strategic sales activities, including bid strategy, solution positioning, and price targets
✅ Develop and refine pricing strategies based on market needs and competitive intelligence
✅ Build strong relationships across the organization to drive product and service awareness and alignment
✅ Plan and monitor new launches, report on outcomes, and study metrics to improve support
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of collaboration, adaptability, and strong project management skills to successfully manage product lines and drive commercial performance.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, General Business, Entrepreneurship, STEM, or a related field
Experience: 5-8 years of relevant work experience in Product Marketing, Product Management, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in product marketing and/or product management
- Strong analytical ability with proficiency in pricing, ROI, and TCO analysis
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Proven experience in developing effective marketing material
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the telecommunications, media, digital services, or inflight entertainment and communications field
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong educational background, relevant experience, and a proven track record in product marketing or management are ideal for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,425.90 - $223,648.10 USD Annual (Total Target Compensation)
Benefits:
- Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan with a company contribution and a match, and without vesting period
- Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
- Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Benefits are comprehensive and competitive for the industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing, with a focus on aerospace, defense, security, space, cybersecurity, big data, IoT, connectivity, artificial intelligence, digital, systems, and software
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global), with a large presence in the United States
Founded: 1893 (France), with a significant presence in the United States since the 1950s
Company Description:
- Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies for the defense, aerospace, and cyber & digital sectors
- The company invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development, particularly in critical environments such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, and cloud technologies
- Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries and generated sales of €20.6 billion in 2024
Company Specialties:
- Aerospace
- Defense
- Security
- Space
- Cybersecurity
- Big Data
- IoT
- Connectivity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital
- Systems
- Software
Company Website: Thales Group
ASSUMPTION: Thales is a large, global organization with a strong focus on innovation and technology, offering extensive opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with potential for growth into management or leadership roles
Reporting Structure: The Product Marketing Manager will report directly to the Head of Product Marketing or a similar role
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 3 office days per week and the remaining days working remotely
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression into management or leadership roles within the Product Marketing function
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as strategy, business development, or customer success
- International assignments or relocation opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential within Thales, given the company's size and global presence.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with demo labs and meeting rooms
Office Location(s): Irvine, California, United States
Geographic Context:
- Irvine is located in Orange County, California, with a Mediterranean climate and a population of approximately 300,000
- The area is known for its high-tech industries, with a strong presence of defense and aerospace companies
- Irvine offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with numerous parks, beaches, and outdoor recreation opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for flexibility in work hours
ASSUMPTION: The Irvine office provides a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to outdoor recreation and a strong tech industry presence.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- Technical assessment or case study
- In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final round interviews, potentially including senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Industry knowledge and market awareness
- Cultural fit and alignment with Thales' values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving abilities and leadership potential
- Research Thales' products, services, and market position to demonstrate your industry knowledge
- Follow up with the HR team or hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
ATS Keywords: Product Marketing, Product Management, Market Analysis, Competitive Intelligence, Pricing Strategy, ROI Analysis, TCO Analysis, Customer Success, Sales Support, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Analytical Ability, Marketing Material Development, Digital Content, Segment Marketing, Value Proposition
ASSUMPTION: Thales' application process is thorough and competitive, with a strong focus on cultural fit and technical proficiency.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Marketo)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira)
- Industry-specific software and tools (e.g., aerospace, defense, or cybersecurity software)
ASSUMPTION: Thales uses a mix of industry-standard and specialized tools to support its various business functions.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer focus
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Inclusion
- Excellence
- Trust
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional teamwork
- Agile and adaptable to change
- Data-driven decision-making
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Results-oriented and proactive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to inform decision-making?
- Can you effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse stakeholders?
- Do you have a strong customer focus and a passion for understanding market needs?
- Are you adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving industry?
ASSUMPTION: Thales values employees who are collaborative, adaptable, data-driven, and customer-focused, with a strong work ethic and a passion for innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple product lines and prioritizing resources effectively
- Keeping up with industry trends and competitive dynamics
- Balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution
- Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Travel requirements (20-40%) for domestic and international assignments
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a strategic mindset.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Product Marketing Manager (Thales) vs. Senior Product Marketing Manager (Competitor)
- Thales: Mid-level role with potential for growth, focusing on product line management and market analysis
- Competitor: Senior role with more strategic responsibilities, focusing on portfolio management and market positioning
- Industry-specific context
- Thales: Focus on defense and aerospace, with a strong presence in the United States
- Competitor: Focus on consumer electronics, with a global presence but a smaller US footprint
- Career path comparison
- Thales: Potential for growth into management or leadership roles within the Product Marketing function or expansion into other areas of the business
- Competitor: Potential for progression into senior leadership roles within the Product Marketing function or expansion into other areas of the business
ASSUMPTION: While both roles share similarities, they differ in terms of experience level, industry focus, and career path potential.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive market analysis and competitive landscape assessment for a new product line
- Developing a go-to-market strategy and sales enablement materials for a product launch
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine product positioning and messaging based on customer feedback
- Analyzing pricing strategies and conducting pricing experiments to optimize revenue and market share
- Managing product line reviews and end-of-life planning for legacy products
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse responsibilities and collaborative nature of the Product Marketing Manager role at Thales.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader product marketing strategy for the company?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does Thales support the professional development and growth of its product marketing team members?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the product lines within this role's portfolio, and how can I contribute to addressing them?
- How does Thales approach innovation and staying ahead of industry trends in the defense and aerospace sectors?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you better understand the company's priorities and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Thales careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving abilities and leadership potential
- Research Thales' products, services, and market position to demonstrate your industry knowledge
- Follow up with the HR team or hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
