Head of Programme Management

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. 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.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.
In this role, you will lead the successful execution of complex government programs, ensuring contractual commitments are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will oversee the full program lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional engineering, product, finance, contracts, and operations teams to deliver innovative space and mission solutions for global government customers.
The Program Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, and risk management strategies while providing clear communication and leadership throughout execution. This role requires balancing technical, financial, and contractual priorities to drive successful program outcomes and ensure customer satisfaction.
Working closely with engineering leadership and product management, you will coordinate program execution using Agile development principles, helping align technical priorities, customer requirements, and business objectives. You will serve as the primary customer interface during program execution, providing regular status updates, managing risks and issues, and ensuring successful delivery throughout the life of the contract.
Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as this role requires collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and regular engagement with government customers and executive leadership.
This position is based on-site in our Arlington, VA office or Reston, VA office.
This opportunity is contingent upon award of a federal government contract.
Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout program execution, building trusted relationships and ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
Monitor program performance across technical execution, financial health, schedule, and contractual compliance, proactively addressing issues to keep programs on track.
Lead regular program reviews, status meetings, and customer briefings, providing clear communication on progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Partner with Finance to manage program budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
Risk & Performance Management
Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while managing issues and dependencies across internal teams and external partners.
Ensure program deliverables meet contractual requirements, quality standards, and customer expectations.
Support change management activities, including scope, schedule, and budget adjustments as needed.
Collaborate closely with engineering, product management, contracts, finance, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure successful program execution.
Serve as the Business Owner for contract execution, participating in Agile planning activities, including PI Planning and other key program ceremonies, to align execution with customer priorities.
Process Improvement
Contribute to the continued development and improvement of Umbra's Program Excellence Framework by identifying opportunities to strengthen program management processes, tools, and best practices.
Document and share lessons learned and drive continuous improvement across program planning, execution, risk management, and reporting.
Provide assistance in developing complex proposals that grow Umbra's business with assigned government accounts.
Act as the customer's advocate in product management to help shape company roadmaps based on their requirements.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related STEM or business field.

• 5-8+ years of program or project management experience, including 2+ years supporting government, aerospace, or defense programs.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and cross-functional engineering teams from planning through execution.
• Experience managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk throughout the program lifecycle.
• Experience serving as the primary interface with customers and internal stakeholders during program execution.
• Working knowledge of Agile development methodologies and the technology development lifecycle.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10-25%.
• Willingness to support a global customer base, including participating in early morning or evening meetings outside of standard business hours as needed to accommodate international customers and mission requirements.

10+ years of program or project management experience, including 4+ years managing complex government, aerospace, or defense programs.

• Demonstrated success leading complex space, defense, or national security programs through planning, execution, and delivery with a high degree of ownership and minimal oversight.
• Government, DoD, Intelligence Community, or civil space customers, including working as a subcontractor supporting a prime systems integrator.
• Experience supporting satellite, ground systems, remote sensing, or ISR programs, including familiarity with competitive captures and/or program execution.
• Familiarity with remote sensing technologies, including SAR, RF payloads, and associated ground system architectures.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering principles, system architectures, and modern program management methodologies such as SAFe, PMI, or equivalent frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across technical teams, executive leadership, customers, and partners.
• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Stock Options
• Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed
• Free lunch daily in office

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.

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.