Supernal Product Manager Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Supernal is at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), innovating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles to create a sustainable, integrated, human-centered transportation ecosystem.

As a Product Manager at Supernal, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing customer experiences and shaping product strategies that contribute to the commercial success of advanced aircraft systems. This role involves managing technology roadmaps, costs, and timelines while fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders. You will be responsible for identifying customer needs, generating innovative product ideas, and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. A successful Product Manager at Supernal will have a deep understanding of avionics and vehicle management systems, with a strong ability to coordinate cross-functional teams to achieve strategic initiatives. Your efforts will directly align with Supernal's commitment to safety, reliability, and a collaborative work environment.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the skills that will set you apart as a candidate. By understanding what the company values and what the role entails, you can articulate your experiences and demonstrate your fit for the position effectively.

The interview process for a Product Manager at Supernal is designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates align with the company's innovative and collaborative culture. The process typically unfolds in several structured stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step involves a phone interview with a recruiter, which lasts about 30 minutes. During this conversation, the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the organization and its values. The recruiter will evaluate your fit for the role and gauge your interest in Supernal's mission.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video call and typically involves discussions around product management principles, technical concepts related to avionics and vehicle systems, and your past experiences in product strategy. Expect to answer questions that assess your understanding of product metrics, customer experience, and competitive analysis.

3. Panel Interview

The next stage is a panel interview, which consists of multiple one-on-one interviews with various team members, including potential peers and managers. This round is designed to evaluate both technical and behavioral competencies. Interviewers will ask about your experience in managing cross-functional teams, your approach to product roadmaps, and how you handle stakeholder relationships. Be prepared for in-depth discussions about your resume and specific scenarios that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.

4. Final Interview

The final interview typically involves a conversation with senior leadership or the hiring manager. This stage focuses on your strategic vision for the role and how you can contribute to Supernal's goals. You may be asked to present your thoughts on product strategy or discuss how you would approach specific challenges within the company. This is also a chance for you to showcase your leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively with executives.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for potential delays or rescheduling, as some interviewers may have conflicting schedules. However, the overall experience is intended to be collaborative and engaging, reflecting Supernal's commitment to fostering a positive work environment.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each stage, particularly those that focus on your product management experience and technical knowledge.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Emphasize Your Product Management Experience

Given the role's focus on product strategy and roadmap management, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in product management, particularly in the aerospace or technology sectors. Highlight specific projects where you successfully led cross-functional teams, managed timelines, and delivered products that met customer needs. Use concrete examples to illustrate your ability to drive product success and how you navigated challenges along the way.

Showcase Your Technical Acumen

As a Product Manager at Supernal, you will be expected to have a solid understanding of avionics, controls, and simplified vehicle operations. Brush up on relevant technical concepts and be ready to discuss how you have applied this knowledge in past roles. If you have experience with MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) or similar methodologies, be sure to mention it, as this aligns with the company's focus on innovative product development.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions during your interviews. The interviewers are genuinely interested in how you fit into their team and company culture. Prepare to discuss your teamwork experiences, how you handle conflict, and your approach to collaboration. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process and the impact of your actions.

Be Ready for a Panel Interview Format

The interview process may involve multiple one-on-one interviews with different team members. Approach each interview as an opportunity to connect with the interviewers and showcase your interpersonal skills. Be authentic and engage with each interviewer, as they are looking for candidates who can build strong relationships within the team.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interviews, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and future product initiatives. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also allows you to gauge if Supernal is the right fit for you. Inquire about how the team collaborates on product development and what challenges they currently face in the market.

Stay Adaptable and Patient

Feedback from candidates indicates that the interview process can sometimes be disorganized. While this may be frustrating, maintain a positive attitude and be adaptable. If there are delays or rescheduling, approach the situation with understanding and professionalism. This will reflect well on your character and ability to handle high-pressure environments.

Highlight Your Vision for the Future of Mobility

Supernal is focused on advancing air mobility and creating a human-centered ecosystem. Share your thoughts on the future of mobility and how you envision contributing to this mission. Discuss any innovative ideas you have for product development or customer experience enhancements that align with the company's goals.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Product Manager role at Supernal. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Product Manager interview at Supernal. The interview process will likely assess your technical knowledge, product management experience, and ability to work collaboratively across teams. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, how you approach product strategy, and your understanding of the aerospace industry.

Product Strategy and Management

1. How do you prioritize features for a new product launch?

This question assesses your ability to balance customer needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to gathering data from stakeholders, analyzing market trends, and using frameworks like the MoSCoW method to prioritize features effectively.

Example

“I prioritize features by first gathering input from key stakeholders, including customers and engineering teams. I analyze market trends and customer feedback to identify must-have features versus nice-to-haves. Using the MoSCoW method, I categorize features into must-have, should-have, could-have, and won't-have, ensuring that we focus on delivering maximum value in the initial launch.”

2. Can you describe a time when you had to pivot your product strategy?

This question evaluates your adaptability and decision-making skills in a dynamic environment.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where you had to change direction based on new information or market feedback, highlighting the impact of that decision.

Example

“During the development of a previous product, we received feedback indicating that our target market preferred a different feature set than we initially planned. I organized a series of customer interviews to validate this feedback and presented a revised strategy to the team, which ultimately led to a successful product launch that exceeded our sales targets.”

3. How do you ensure alignment between cross-functional teams during product development?

This question focuses on your communication and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Explain your methods for fostering collaboration, such as regular check-ins, shared documentation, and using project management tools.

Example

“I ensure alignment by establishing regular check-ins with all cross-functional teams involved in the product development process. I use collaborative tools like JIRA and Confluence to maintain transparency and keep everyone updated on progress and changes. This approach helps to address any misalignments early and fosters a culture of open communication.”

4. What metrics do you consider when evaluating the success of a product?

This question assesses your understanding of product metrics and their importance.

How to Answer

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to product success, such as user engagement, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth.

Example

“I evaluate product success using a combination of metrics, including user engagement rates, customer satisfaction scores, and revenue growth. For instance, I track Net Promoter Score (NPS) to gauge customer loyalty and use analytics tools to monitor user behavior, which helps inform future product iterations.”

Technical Knowledge

1. What experience do you have with avionics or aircraft systems?

This question tests your technical background relevant to the aerospace industry.

How to Answer

Share your relevant experience, focusing on specific projects or roles that involved avionics or aircraft systems.

Example

“I have over ten years of experience working in the aerospace sector, specifically with avionics systems. In my previous role, I led a team that developed a new flight control system, where I was responsible for defining the product requirements and collaborating with engineering to ensure successful implementation.”

2. How do you approach competitive analysis for a new product?

This question evaluates your analytical skills and understanding of market dynamics.

How to Answer

Describe your process for conducting competitive analysis, including tools and methodologies you use.

Example

“I approach competitive analysis by first identifying key competitors and their product offerings. I use tools like SWOT analysis to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and I also gather customer feedback to understand their perceptions. This comprehensive analysis informs our product positioning and feature differentiation strategies.”

3. Can you explain the concept of the 'whole product' approach?

This question assesses your understanding of product management principles.

How to Answer

Define the 'whole product' concept and explain its significance in product development.

Example

“The 'whole product' approach considers not just the core product but also all the additional elements that contribute to the customer experience, such as support, training, and ecosystem integration. This holistic view ensures that we deliver a complete solution that meets customer needs and enhances satisfaction.”

4. How do you handle technical trade-offs when developing a product?

This question evaluates your decision-making skills in balancing technical capabilities and product requirements.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to evaluating trade-offs, including collaboration with engineering teams and stakeholder input.

Example

“When faced with technical trade-offs, I collaborate closely with engineering teams to understand the implications of each option. I gather input from stakeholders to assess the impact on customer experience and business goals. By weighing the pros and cons, I can make informed decisions that align with our product strategy while ensuring feasibility.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a challenging project you managed and how you overcame obstacles.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific project, the challenges faced, and the strategies you employed to overcome them.

Example

“I managed a project where we faced significant delays due to supply chain issues. To overcome this, I initiated weekly meetings with suppliers to improve communication and transparency. I also worked with the team to identify alternative suppliers, which ultimately allowed us to meet our revised timeline without compromising quality.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution strategies.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to addressing conflicts, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise within a team, I prioritize open communication. I encourage team members to express their concerns and facilitate a discussion to understand different perspectives. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can often find common ground and develop solutions that satisfy everyone involved.”

3. What motivates you as a Product Manager?

This question assesses your passion for the role and the industry.

How to Answer

Share what drives you in your work, focusing on aspects like innovation, customer impact, or team collaboration.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to create innovative products that enhance people's lives. The challenge of translating customer needs into actionable product strategies excites me, and I find great satisfaction in seeing a product evolve from concept to market success.”

4. How do you stay updated on industry trends and advancements?

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed, such as industry publications, networking, and conferences.

Example

“I stay updated on industry trends by regularly reading publications like Aviation Week and attending relevant conferences. I also participate in professional networks and forums where I can exchange insights with peers and industry experts, ensuring that I remain informed about the latest advancements and best practices.”