Head of Technical Programme Management

Technical Program Manager (Opto-Mechanical Systems - Spacecraft Level)

This role leads complex, spacecraft-level opto-mechanical programs, coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver space-grade optical communication systems on very tight timelines. The Technical Program Manager operates at the intersection of systems engineering and program management, driving stakeholder alignment, clarifying and verifying requirements, and ensuring successful design and manufacture of advanced optical and electrical components used in space communication networks.

Lead large, complex technical programs focused on spacecraft-level opto-mechanical systems, treating each program as an integrated engine or rocket stage rather than a small subsystem.

Own end-to-end program delivery, including planning, scheduling, execution, risk management, and delivery against aggressive timelines.

Align stakeholders across optical, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test teams, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding of priorities and goals.

Serve as a key communication bridge between engineering teams and leadership, providing concise updates, including 30-second summaries when needed, and clearly articulating status, risks, and decisions.

Support the development of optical communication networks and pathways, including optical links and meshes that enable spacecraft-to-spacecraft communication via laser pointing and tracking.

Use tools such as Smartsheet to manage schedules, tasks, dependencies, and reporting for complex, multi-site programs.

Collaborate closely with optical and electrical engineers, ensuring technical issues and trade-offs are clearly understood and effectively communicated across the team.

Work across multiple facilities, coordinating in-person meetings and cross-site collaboration to keep programs on track.

Proven experience as a Technical Program Manager (TPM) running large, complex engineering programs, preferably at a Level IV or equivalent seniority.

Strong background in systems engineering or a close partnership role between systems engineering and program management.

Demonstrated ability to manage spacecraft-level or similarly complex systems, rather than small or isolated subsystems.

Experience working with opto-mechanical or optical systems, with the ability to understand and track work involving lasers, optical communication components, switches, mirrors, and cameras.

Proficiency with Smartsheet or similar program and project management tools for planning, tracking, and reporting.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide concise, high-impact updates and clearly document plans, requirements, and status.

Ability to work effectively with optical and electrical engineers and communicate technical concepts and trade-offs clearly, even without being a hands-on designer.

Strong stakeholder management skills, including aligning diverse technical and non-technical partners around common goals and timelines.

background or exposure to spacecraft communication systems, including optical links, communication pathways, or optical mesh networks.

This role operates across multiple sites, with regular in-person work required at facilities in Redmond and the Kirkland factory. The environment is highly dynamic, with priorities and gears frequently shifting, so you will work in a fast-paced setting where change is constant and responsiveness is essential. You will collaborate closely with optical, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test teams, using tools such as Smartsheet to coordinate complex, multi-disciplinary work. This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.