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 at Umbra, you will lead the successful execution of complex government programs, delivering innovative products and mission solutions that meet our customers' objectives while fulfilling contractual commitments. You will be responsible for managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction from program kickoff through delivery.

In this role, you will develop and maintain integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, forecasts, and risk management strategies while partnering closely with engineering, product management, finance, contracts, and operations to ensure successful execution. You'll collaborate with technical teams using Agile development practices, proactively identify and resolve program risks, and provide clear, concise updates to customers and executive leadership.

Success in this role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to build trusted relationships with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. By developing a deep understanding of Umbra's technologies and customer missions, you'll help drive program success while supporting follow-on opportunities and the continued growth of our customer partnerships.

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 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

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related STEM or business field.
• 5-8+ years of program management experience, including 2+ years supporting U.S. Government contracts or aerospace and defense programs.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance with a read-in within the past two years.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and cross-functional teams through planning, execution, and delivery.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government captures, proposals, and business development efforts.
• Working knowledge of Agile development methodologies and the technology development lifecycle.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams.

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of program management experience, including 4+ years supporting U.S. Government contracts or aerospace and defense programs.
• Experience leading complex space or defense programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, technical execution, and customer delivery.
• Direct experience supporting space systems, satellite development, mission operations, or remote sensing programs.
• Experience with large competitive captures and strategic proposal development.
• Experience supporting a broad range of U.S. Government customers, including DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil agencies.
• Familiarity with SAR, RF payloads, and associated ground systems.
• Understanding of systems engineering principles, system architectures, and technical development processes.
• Familiarity with SAFe, PMI, or other structured program management frameworks.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with a high degree of ownership and initiative.
• Ability to travel domestically (CONUS) 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 - $215,000 DOE.