Program Manager

Umbra • Reston, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Umbra is an American space technology company whose Mission Solutions business unit develops secure, resilient platforms for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. The Program Manager is responsible for delivering products, systems, services, and solutions that meet customer expectations for cost, schedule, and technical performance. The role develops and manages roadmaps, schedules, and budgets throughout the program lifecycle, working closely with product management to define development scope and align execution with the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). It also requires communicating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, providing leadership updates, maintaining customer relationships, overseeing technical progress, and proactively managing risks and challenges.

In addition to program execution, the Program Manager supports business development through proposals, RFI responses, customer engagement, and organic growth initiatives. The role also serves as a capture manager, leading capture strategy and proposal development for opportunities aligned with Umbra’s strategic campaigns. The position is based on-site at either the Arlington, Virginia, or Reston, Virginia office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, or a related STEM or business field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years of program management experience supporting U.S. Government contracts or programs in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Experience working in a cleared environment within the past two years.
• Ability to manage technical development and/or R&D programs, including coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of product and technology development lifecycles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with technical teams, customers, and senior leadership.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 25% of the time.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related STEM field.
• At least 8 years of program management experience supporting U.S. Government contracts or programs in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance, with a read-in within the past two years.
• Ability to independently plan, lead, and execute complex programs, including building and coordinating high-performing teams.
• Experience supporting or leading U.S. Government capture efforts, competitive proposals, and business development initiatives.
• Direct experience managing space industry programs, including satellite development, integration, testing, and/or mission operations.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government customers, including the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and civil agencies.
• Familiarity with remote sensing technologies, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), RF space payloads, and associated ground systems.
• Understanding of systems engineering principles, processes, and system architectures.
• Familiarity with program management and Agile frameworks, such as PMI, SAFe, or similar methodologies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, sound judgment, and comfort navigating ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for successful implementation of several ongoing contracts, including cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Update financial results and forecasts monthly.
• Deliver monthly status reports to support Program Management Reviews.
• Contribute to the maturation of Umbra’s Program Excellence Framework and its procedures for initiating, executing, and concluding programs.
• Apply lessons from previous programs and tailor processes for financial management, risk management, contractual obligations, and performance monitoring.
• Serve as the Business Owner for technologies associated with contracts.
• Collaborate with product management and system architects on engineering solutions.
• Participate in key Agile ceremonies, including PI planning.
• Lead capture activities, develop proposals, and create compelling solutions.
• Create and implement growth strategies for existing and upcoming contracts.
• Represent customer needs in product management and help shape company roadmaps.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off
• Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Employer-funded medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, and STD coverage
• Employee-funded voluntary life, critical illness, accidental, hospital indemnity, and pet insurance
• 401(k) with a 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock options
• Free parking in the office building or reimbursement for transit
• Free daily lunch in the office

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level