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 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.
This position is based on-site in our Arlington, 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.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of relevant professional experience, with 2+ years of professional experience working in a program management supporting USG contracts or the aerospace and defense domain.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
- Experience working in a TS/SCI classified environment within the last two years.
- 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 USG 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.
Desired Qualifications
- 4+ years of professional experience working in a program management supporting USG contracts or the aerospace and defense domain.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance, read-in within the past two years, with ability to pass an SSBI.
- 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.
- Able to travel CONUS up to 25% of time.
- Experience with large competitive captures.
- Experience with remote sensing satellite development and/or mission operations.
- Experience working with a diverse set of U.S. Government DoD, IC and Civil customers.
- 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.
- 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 $165,000 - $215,000 DOE.
