Product Manager - Optical Temperature Pyrometers

The Product Manager defines and manages AE’s optical temperature pyrometers designed for use in industrial applications, including customers in the glass, metals, and advanced materials markets. Responsible for all aspects of the product life cycle, including product definition, customer/market requirements analysis, and portfolio management. Assists in annual business planning, product marketing strategies, and demand forecasting. Interacts with many functions across the Advanced Energy organization, including sales, engineering, corporate marketing, customer service, and planning. Drives strong customer engagement, with the ability to proactively find solutions for complex problems and manage their implementation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages lifecycles of Advanced Energy (AE) optical temperature measurement pyrometers from initial concept to development, launch, production ramp and end-of-life (EOL) planning.
• Participates in new product introduction (NPI) programs; Guides development and manages tradeoffs of specifications and schedules for new products and/or services.
• Assesses viability of product concepts and customization requests to meet worldwide market, financial, and technology goals.
• Monitors global market trends for new opportunities and refines understanding of user needs in AE target markets through research and customer visits.
• Defines product plans, including critical features, price targets, profit, return on investment (ROI), competitive strength, and value delivery.
• Reports to senior management on the financial performance of product lines.
• Manages engineering priorities for assigned product lines assuring alignment of engineering efforts with business goals and customer requirements.
• Interfaces with Global Sales, Research and Development, Engineering, Worldwide Customer Support, Operations, Corporate Marketing, Quality, and other partners to ensure new offerings meet technical specifications, cost targets, delivery commitments, and achieve customer adoption.
• As needed, coordinates with external partners, Business Development, alternative channels, and third-party integrators.
• With Corporate Marketing, drives naming, positioning, literature, collateral, web content, and launch activities.
• Uses market research and competitive analysis as needed in these activities to maximize AE global market advantage.
• Defines and implements sustaining and EOL strategies for mature or declining products.
• Assists with annual business planning, marketing tools, and infrastructure as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is onsite in Fort Collins, Colorado
• Works in a standard office environment and uses general office equipment
• Travel, both domestic and international (up to 20%)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent communication skills – face-to-face, in writing, by phone, in groups, and in one-on-one settings.
• Superior organizational, planning, and coordination skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks.
• Financial analysis capability.
• Business saavy, excellent self control, superoir conflict management skills, and effective negotiation skills.
• Ability to structure market research and competitive analysis.
• Ability to quickly and thoroughly follow up on commitments.
• Strong team player.
• Creative problem solving skills – both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong computer literacy with ability to use Windows, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Energy and ability to motivate others.

EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• 5+ years experience in product management or related marketing position.
• Knowledge of optical temperature measurement pyrometery or similar technology.
• Knowledge of materials transformation, glass and steel production and general industrial processes

Desirable:

• Knowledge of materials science and/or thermal dynamics.
• Experience managing NPI programs with cross-functional teams.
• Experience driving thought leadership within target markets and with key customers.

EDUCATION:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• Advanced degree, including M.S., Ph.D., or MBA, is highly desirable.

COMPENSATION:

As required by multiple state pay transparency laws, Advanced Energy provides a reasonable range of compensation for each job posting. Actual compensation is influenced by an array of factors including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, and specific office location. The range of starting pay for this role is $105,000 to $145,000 per year.

BENEFITS:

As part of our total rewards philosophy, we believe in offering and maintaining competitive compensation and benefits programs for our employees to attract and retain a talented, highly engaged workforce. Our compensation programs are focused on equitable, fair pay practices including market-based base pay, an annual pay-for-performance incentive plan, and discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

In addition to our competitive compensation practices, we offer a strong benefits package in each of the countries in which we operate. In the U.S., we offer a rich benefits package that includes:

• Medical - multiple medical plans are available to choose from
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Generous time off policy starting with 3 weeks of paid vacation, 7 days of paid sick time, and 12 paid holidays
• 8 hours of paid volunteer time off
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave for both Moms and Dads
• Company matched 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Expanded mental health coverage and employee assistance programs
• Other voluntary benefits include critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity, pet insurance, identify theft, and legal assistance