Principal Technical Program Manager - Emerging Systems

BLUE ORIGIN • Seattle, WA

7d

About The Position

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized support across Blue Origin business unit teams, functions, and locations. As a Principal Technical Program Manager, you will lead complex, multi-disciplinary technical programs for our advanced laser communications and optical systems team. You will drive the planning, execution, and delivery of mission-critical space-based optical communication systems from concept through production. This role requires exceptional leadership skills to coordinate cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, and operational staff while managing technical dependencies, risks, and program milestones. You will be responsible for translating strategic vision into executable roadmaps that deliver innovative solutions for challenging space environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in technical program management for complex hardware development
• 7+ years of experience managing optical, electrical, or aerospace engineering programs
• Demonstrated experience with full lifecycle program management, from conception through production
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and development methodologies
• Experience with risk management, resource planning, and schedule development for technical programs
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex, matrix organization
• Experience with program budgeting, financial tracking, and resource allocation
• Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts to various audiences

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field
• Experience with space systems, satellite communications, or optical communications technologies
• Background in photonics, laser systems, or fiber optics technologies
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent program management certification
• Experience with Agile, Scrum, or hybrid product development methodologies
• Knowledge of verification and validation processes for high-reliability systems
• Experience with government contracts or aerospace industry programs
• Background in managing manufacturing transitions from prototype to production
• Experience with technical risk assessment and mitigation for first-of-kind systems
• Strong technical acumen with ability to understand engineering tradeoffs and guide technical decision-making
• History of successfully delivering complex technical programs under challenging constraints
• Experience with ASIC development, hardware integration, or optical systems testing
• Excellent negotiation and influence skills to drive consensus across stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program management for advanced laser communication systems and optical technologies, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technical requirements
• Create and maintain comprehensive program plans, schedules, and resource allocations across multiple engineering disciplines
• Coordinate complex dependencies between hardware, software, and optical engineering teams to ensure synchronized development and integration
• Drive technical decision-making processes and facilitate resolution of cross-functional issues to maintain program momentum
• Establish program governance frameworks, including key metrics, milestone tracking, and executive reporting mechanisms
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks through structured risk management processes
• Lead technical reviews and milestone assessments, ensuring compliance with program requirements and quality standards
• Represent programs to senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, effectively communicating technical concepts and program status
• Collaborate with engineering leads to optimize hardware development cycles, manufacturing processes, and testing protocols
• Guide teams through technical challenges in optical systems, fiber optics assembly, and laser communication technologies
• Drive continuous improvement in program management methodologies and engineering processes

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion.
• Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees