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
We are looking for a Capture and Program Manager to join Umbra’s Mission Solutions team. In this role, you will help shape and deliver high-quality products and solutions for global government customers, ensuring programs are executed on time, within budget, and in alignment with contractual commitments. This position plays a key role in supporting both capture efforts and active program execution while building long-term, consultative relationships with government customers worldwide.
The Capture and Program Manager will develop structured capture plans, program roadmaps, schedules, and budgets, and will closely monitor execution throughout the program lifecycle. This role requires a strong understanding of how technical, financial, and organizational elements align to drive successful outcomes. You will collaborate closely with Umbra’s product management team to define development scope and align execution using principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
Strong communication skills are essential, as this role involves engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, providing clear and concise updates to leadership, and fostering trusted customer relationships. By developing a deep understanding of Umbra’s technologies, the Capture and Program Manager will effectively support customer needs and oversee technical progress. The role also includes proactively identifying and addressing program risks, contributing to proposals and RFI responses, and supporting organic business growth through ongoing customer engagement.
Our aim is to hire this position to work in Umbra's Arlington, VA office, Santa Barbara, CA office, or Reston, VA office (coming soon).
*This opportunity is contingent upon award of a federal government contract in February 2026.
Key Responsibilities
- Capture Strategy: Take the lead or provide assistance in developing complex proposals. Create and implement capture and 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.
- 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 Excellence Reviews.
- Processes: Participate in the creation 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.
- All other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree with a STEM or business concentration.
- 5-8+ years of relevant professional experience, with 2+ years of professional experience working in capture or program management supporting government contracts or the aerospace and defense domain.
- Proven ability to define and manage technical development and/or R&D scope and technical teams.
- Experience working with business development and leading captures and/or proposals.
- Understanding of Agile product development and technology development lifecycle processes.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to travel domestic or international up to 10%-25% of time.
Desired Qualifications
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience, with 4+ years of professional experience working in capture or program management supporting government contracts or the aerospace and defense domain.
- 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.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
- Experience leading and executing complex space or defense programs, including planning, team building, and delivery with clear ownership with minimal oversight.
- Background working with government, defense, intelligence, or civil space customers, including experience as a subcontractor providing capability to a prime, systems-level contractor.
- Experience supporting competitive captures and program execution for satellite, ground system, or remote sensing missions.
- Familiarity with remote sensing systems, including SAR, RF payloads, and associated ground architectures.
- 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.
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.
