Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity.
Our mission is to deliver global omniscience.
To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand-new industry that has never meaningfully existed before.
We're on the lookout for a dynamic and enthusiastic Program Director to champion Umbra’s Remote Sensing business group. In this pivotal position, you will lead our talented team of Remote Sensing program managers overseeing both our US Government and Global portfolios. Your expertise will guide the entire lifecycle of new program captures—from proposal development through to contract close. You will establish high performance standards for program execution, ensure adherence to contractual and regulatory requirements, and play a key role in expanding our business by nurturing essential accounts. Reporting to the Operating Manager of Remote Sensing, you will collaborate closely with departments such as space systems, legal, finance, and other shared services to drive our business objectives forward. Additionally, you will contribute to portfolio growth by enhancing existing contracts and supporting the acquisition of new opportunities.
About this Role
As the Program Director for Remote Sensing, you'll collaborate closely with our Business Development, Product, Software, and Operations teams to deliver outstanding products and services to some of the most discerning and impressive clients worldwide. You'll play a crucial role in shaping the strategy that will drive Umbra's remarkable growth as we embark on a new chapter following our recent success on the global stage. Your insight into aligning all program components will empower you to craft organized plans, timelines, and budgets, which you will diligently oversee throughout the entire program lifecycle. Your communication prowess will be put to the test as you connect with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, offer clear updates to leadership, and build strong relationships with customers who often have a technical background themselves. By deepening your understanding of Umbra’s core products and technologies, you'll be better positioned to support your clients and effectively manage technical progress while inspiring the organization to meet our customers' high standards. You'll proactively tackle program challenges and emerging risks, play a key role in business development through proposals and RFI responses, engage with customers directly, and foster organic growth by mentoring and empowering your team.
This is an in-person position located in Umbra's Arlington, VA office. Hybrid arrangements may be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Program Oversight and Strategic Leadership
Deliver top-tier executive oversight and strategic guidance for all active contracts and programs. Assume full accountability for the successful implementation of these initiatives, ensuring they align with the organization's goals in terms of cost, timeline, and technical performance. Manage the preparation and presentation of financial results, forecasts, and monthly status updates, conducting thorough evaluations through Program Excellence Reviews.
Process Leadership and Organizational Development
Spearhead the creation, execution, and ongoing refinement of Umbra's Program Excellence Framework. Take charge of developing standardized, scalable processes for program initiation, execution, and closure, integrating best practices and insights gained from past experiences. Promote process innovation in financial management, risk management, contractual compliance, and performance monitoring to uphold operational excellence and uniformity across all programs.
Enterprise Agile Development
Exercise executive oversight over Agile development initiatives linked to contract execution and program results. Act as a pivotal liaison connecting program managers, capture managers, product management, and architects to ensure engineering solutions align with strategic goals. Facilitate and support participation in Agile ceremonies, representing the ultimate customer perspective, including quarterly program increment planning, to achieve cross-functional alignment and delivery of impactful solutions.
Business Growth and Strategic Planning
Formulate and implement growth strategies for both existing and new programs, ensuring alignment with the organization's broader objectives. Lead the development of proposals or offer strategic insights to program and capture managers, emphasizing the crafting of competitive, client-focused solutions. Advocate for customer requirements during discussions with product management and executive leadership, shaping company roadmaps and strategies in response to the evolving needs of customers and market trends.
Team Leadership and Development
Offer leadership, mentorship, and guidance to program managers and capture managers, cultivating a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Encourage accountability for program results while promoting individual and collective development. Ensure that team activities align with company priorities, facilitating effective resource allocation and cross-departmental collaboration.
All other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience, with at least 5+ years leading program management teams supporting U.S. Government (USG) contracts or working in the aerospace and defense domain.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance, read-in within the past two years.
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM, business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred, or related experience.
- Familiarity with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), passive RF sensing, and associated ground systems.
- Proven experience in leading technical development, R&D programs, and multidisciplinary teams, with demonstrated ability to manage complex technical scopes.
- Significant experience collaborating with business development teams on USG captures, including leading and supporting proposal efforts.
- In-depth knowledge of Agile product development and technology development lifecycle processes, with the ability to integrate these methodologies into large-scale program management.
- Demonstrated leadership in high-stakes, uncertain situations, with the ability to take calculated risks, learn proactively, and guide teams to success.
- Strong advocacy skills, proactively addressing critical issues and securing necessary attention from stakeholders.
- Exceptional emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with staff, cross-functional teams, executive leadership, and customers.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- Comfortable navigating a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and evolving requirements.
Desired Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry.
- Experience with and understanding of the FAR and DFARS
- Understanding of the structure of USG executive branch agencies responsible for the acquisition and utilization of remote sensing products
- Understanding of the USG federal budget process
- Experience with profit/loss analysis
- Direct experience leading programs in the space industry, including program planning, execution, and customer delivery.
- Ability to travel internationally up to 25%.
- Extensive experience with large, competitive captures, including strategy development and execution.
- Knowledge of remote sensing satellite development, mission operations, and related technologies.
- Experience collaborating with a diverse range of U.S. Government customers, including DoD, IC, and Civil agencies.
- Proficiency in organizational frameworks such as SAFe, PMI, or similarly rigorous methodologies.
- Deep understanding of systems engineering processes and system architecture development.
- 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 the building
- Free lunch in office daily
Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
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 $235,000 - $280,000.
