Program Manager
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 Team
Mission 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
As a Program Manager, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional products, systems, services, and solutions that exceed customer expectations across cost, schedule, and technical performance. The position requires a strong understanding of how technical, financial, and organizational elements align to drive program success, including the development of structured roadmaps, schedules, and budgets that are actively managed throughout the program lifecycle.
The Program Manager will work closely with Umbra’s product management team to define development scope and ensure execution aligns with the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Success in this role depends on effective communication across both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including providing concise leadership updates and maintaining strong customer relationships. A deep understanding of Umbra’s technologies enables informed oversight of technical progress and proactive management of risks and challenges.
In addition to program execution, you will contribute to business development activities, including proposals, RFI responses, customer engagement, and organic growth initiatives. The Program Manager also serves as a capture manager, leading capture strategy and proposal development for pursuits of varying size and complexity that align with Umbra’s strategic campaigns.
This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office or Reston, VA 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 Management Reviews.
- Processes: Participate in the maturation 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 in capture, developing winning proposals and creating compelling solutions. 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
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, business, or a related STEM or business field.
- 5+ years of relevant professional experience, including 3+ years of program management experience supporting U.S. Government contracts or programs within the aerospace and defense industry.
- Experience working in a cleared environment within the past two years.
- Demonstrated ability to manage technical development and/or R&D programs, including coordination of multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Strong understanding of product and technology development lifecycles.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical teams, customers, and senior leadership.
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in engineering or a related STEM field.
- 8+ years of program management experience supporting U.S. Government contracts or programs within the aerospace and defense industry.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance, with a read-in within the past two years.
- Demonstrated ability to independently plan, lead, and execute complex programs, including building and coordinating high-performing teams.
- Experience supporting or leading U.S. Government capture efforts, competitive proposals, and business development initiatives.
- Direct experience managing space industry programs, including satellite development, integration, testing, and/or mission operations.
- Experience supporting a diverse range of U.S. Government customers, including the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and civil agencies.
- Familiarity with remote sensing technologies, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), RF space payloads, and associated ground systems.
- Understanding of systems engineering principles, processes, and system architectures.
- Familiarity with program management and Agile frameworks, such as PMI, SAFe, or similar methodologies.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, sound judgment, and comfort navigating ambiguity.
- Ability to travel domestically up to 25% of the time.
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. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
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 $175,000-$205,000 DOE.
Skills
As published by workable · 13 questions
Basics
First name, Last name, Email, Phone, Address, Resume, Are you legally authorized to work in the US for any employer? , To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. , Cover letter, How did you hear about Umbra? , What is the highest level of education that you completed?, What is your desired base pay?, When are you available to start?, Various federal laws restrict the employment and post-government employment (PGE) activities of federal government employees. Please identify your employment status with the United States Federal Government, including civilian or military. Umbra may request additional detail on the nature of any U.S. Federal Government employment and may require provision of an agency ethics opinion letter., Similar to federal laws there may be state and local laws that regulate the post-government employment (PGE) activities of current or former state or local government (municipal government) employees. These regulations may vary from state to state but may address activities related to contracting, procurement, regulatory or legislative roles, or other public employment within a municipal government. Please select your employment status with respect to municipal governments., If you answered "I have never..." to both of the above questions, please select N/A. If you answered with something else, answer the following question: Did you in the past, or are you now, participating in, supervising, or otherwise responsible for any active or pending government procurement or contract administration matter that does or might involve Umbra Lab, Inc. and/or a matter that has a direct or potential effect on the financial or business interests of Umbra Lab, Inc.?, If you answered "I have never..." to both of the above questions, please select N/A. If you answered with something else, answer the following question: To the best of your knowledge, is any member of your immediate family (including spouse, parents, siblings, and children), member of your household, or person with whom you have a similarly close personal relationship a current employee of the U.S. Federal Government, a municipal government, or a candidate for political office?
Pick from a list (13)
- How many years of professional experience do you have in program management?
- How many years of professional program management experience do you have supporting U.S. Government contracts or programs within the aerospace and defense industry?
- U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance eligibility. Are you a U.S. citizen and eligible to hold a clearance?
- Do you have experience working in a cleared environment within the last two years?
- What is your current security clearance level?
- Do you have experience working programs that include both hardware and software?
- How would you rate your understanding of Agile product development and technology development lifecycle processes?
- Do you have direct experience with space industry program planning and execution?
- Which of the following areas do you have direct professional experience with? (Select all that apply)
- Which U.S. Government customer organizations have you directly supported? (Select all that apply)
- Have you supported or led U.S. Government capture efforts, competitive proposals, or business development initiatives?
- Do you currently reside in (or within commutable distance to) the Arlington, VA or Reston, VA areas?
- If you don't reside in (or within commutable distance to) the Arlington, VA or Reston, VA areas, are you able to relocate to either area, as this is primarily an in-office role?
