Global Program Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 Program Manager to join Umbra's Mission Solutions team. In this role, you will lead the successful execution of complex government programs, ensuring contractual commitments are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will oversee the full program lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional engineering, product, finance, contracts, and operations teams to deliver innovative space and mission solutions for global government customers.
The Program Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, and risk management strategies while providing clear communication and leadership throughout execution. This role requires balancing technical, financial, and contractual priorities to drive successful program outcomes and ensure customer satisfaction.
Working closely with engineering leadership and product management, you will coordinate program execution using Agile development principles, helping align technical priorities, customer requirements, and business objectives. You will serve as the primary customer interface during program execution, providing regular status updates, managing risks and issues, and ensuring successful delivery throughout the life of the contract.
Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as this role requires collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and regular engagement with government customers and executive leadership.
This position is based on-site in our Arlington, VA office or Reston, VA office.
This opportunity is contingent upon award of a federal government contract.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership

• Lead the execution of complex government programs, ensuring successful delivery of technical, cost, schedule, and contractual objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout program execution, building trusted relationships and ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, and resource forecasts.

Program Execution

• Monitor program performance across technical execution, financial health, schedule, and contractual compliance, proactively addressing issues to keep programs on track.
• Lead regular program reviews, status meetings, and customer briefings, providing clear communication on progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Partner with Finance to manage program budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.

Risk & Performance Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while managing issues and dependencies across internal teams and external partners.
• Ensure program deliverables meet contractual requirements, quality standards, and customer expectations.
• Support change management activities, including scope, schedule, and budget adjustments as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with engineering, product management, contracts, finance, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Serve as the Business Owner for contract execution, participating in Agile planning activities, including PI Planning and other key program ceremonies, to align execution with customer priorities.

Process Improvement

• Contribute to the continued development and improvement of Umbra's Program Excellence Framework by identifying opportunities to strengthen program management processes, tools, and best practices.
• Document and share lessons learned and drive continuous improvement across program planning, execution, risk management, and reporting.

Other

• Provide assistance in developing complex proposals that grow Umbra's business with assigned government accounts.
• Provide inputs to defining and implementing capture and growth strategies.
• Act as the customer's advocate in product management to help shape company roadmaps based on their requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related STEM or business field.
• 5-8+ years of program or project management experience, including 2+ years supporting government, aerospace, or defense programs.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and cross-functional engineering teams from planning through execution.
• Experience managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk throughout the program lifecycle.
• Experience serving as the primary interface with customers and internal stakeholders during program execution.
• Working knowledge of Agile development methodologies and the technology development lifecycle.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and organizational communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10-25%.
• Willingness to support a global customer base, including participating in early morning or evening meetings outside of standard business hours as needed to accommodate international customers and mission requirements.

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of program or project management experience, including 4+ years managing complex government, aerospace, or defense programs.
• Demonstrated success leading complex space, defense, or national security programs through planning, execution, and delivery with a high degree of ownership and minimal oversight.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government, DoD, Intelligence Community, or civil space customers, including working as a subcontractor supporting a prime systems integrator.
• Experience supporting satellite, ground systems, remote sensing, or ISR programs, including familiarity with competitive captures and/or program execution.
• Experience working with business development and leading captures and/or proposals.
• Familiarity with remote sensing technologies, including SAR, RF payloads, and associated ground system architectures.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering principles, system architectures, and modern program management methodologies such as SAFe, PMI, or equivalent frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across technical teams, executive leadership, customers, and partners.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with a bias toward ownership, continuous learning, and proactive problem solving.

Benefits

• 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.