Program Manager (Global)

Job description

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space.

Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain.

Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).

Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.



About the TeamMission Solutions – The Platforms 
Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions.

Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.

  

If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra.



About the Job

We are searching for a Program Manager to support Umbra’s Mission Solutions business group, with responsibility to successfully deliver solutions, products and technology while managing cost and schedule baselines for hardware and systems development, mission services, and R&D contracts with our international Government customers.

The Program Manager will report to the Director of Mission Solutions Global Operating Unit, and collaborate closely with Umbra’s engineering, legal, finance, and other shared services departments.

You will also support the growth of the portfolio by fostering organic growth on existing contracts and supporting captures of new contracts.

As a Program Manager at Umbra, you will deliver outstanding experiences to our customers and users by delivering exceptional products and solutions that are on time and within budget, fulfilling our contractual commitments.

You have a keen awareness of how all elements must align for a program's success, enabling you to create structured roadmaps, schedules, and budgets that you meticulously monitor throughout the program lifecycle.

You collaborate closely with Umbra’s product management team to define development scope, utilizing the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

Your communication skills shine as you engage seamlessly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, provide concise updates to leadership, and cultivate strong relationships with customers.

By gaining insight into Umbra’s technologies, you will be better equipped to support your customers and adeptly oversee technical progress.

You will proactively address program challenges and emerging risks, contributing to business development through proposals, RFI responses, engaging with customers, and driving organic growth.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in Umbra's Arlington, VA office or Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Execution: Take complete responsibility for the successful implementation (including cost, schedule, and technical aspects) of several ongoing contracts.
  
  Ensure monthly updates of financial results and forecasts.
  
  Deliver monthly status reports to facilitate Program Excellence Reviews.
• Processes: Participate in the creation of Umbra's Program Excellence Framework, which consists of documented procedures for initiating, executing, and concluding programs.
  
  Utilize insights and experiences gained from previous programs, while customizing them to align with Umbra's operational style, to establish streamlined processes for areas including financial management, risk management, contractual obligations, and performance monitoring.
• Agile Development: Serve as the Business Owner for technologies associated with contracts.
  
  Collaborate with product management and system architects on engineering solutions.
  
  Engage actively in key Agile ceremonies, including PI planning.
• Growth and Strategy: Take the lead or provide assistance in developing proposals as needed.
  
  Create and implement growth strategies for existing and upcoming contracts.
  
  Act as the customer's advocate in product management to help shape company roadmaps based on their requirements.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience, with 2+ years of professional experience working in program management supporting government contracts or the aerospace and defense domain.
• Bachelors degree with a STEM or business concentration.
• Proven ability to manage technical development and/or R&D scope and technical teams.
• Experience working with business development on captures and supporting and/or leading proposals.
• Understanding of Agile product development and technology development lifecycle processes.
• A proactive learner who embraces leadership in uncertain situations, willing to take risks and gain insights from their experiences.
  
  
• Proactively takes the initiative and advocates for essential issues that require attention.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence to interact and empathize with staff, colleagues, cross-functional teams, and customers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
• Able to travel domestic or international up to 10%-25% of time.

Desired Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience working a program management supporting government contracts or the aerospace and defense domain.
• Experience working with a diverse set of international Government defense, intelligence, and civil customers
• Experienced leader able to build a plan, build a team, and execute with clear ownership and minimal oversight.
• Direct experience with space industry program planning and execution.
• Experience with large competitive captures.
• Experience with remote sensing satellite development and/or mission operations.
• Experience working as a subcontractor providing capability to a prime, systems-level contractor
• Experience with SAR and RF space payloads and their associated ground systems.
• Familiarity with SAFe, PMI or other similarly rigorous organizational frameworks.
• Understanding of systems engineering processes and system architectures.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options
• Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed
• Free lunch daily in office

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR.

To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels.

To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location.

Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies.

Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors.

The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $165,000 - $215,000 DOE.

Required Skill Profession

Other General