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Senior Technical Program Manager - Optical Payload Systems

BLUE ORIGIN
Posted a month ago, valid for 16 days
Location

Seattle, WA 98164, US

Salary

$130,000 - $156,000 per year

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Contract type

Full Time

Paid Time Off
Life Insurance

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Sonic Summary

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  • Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Manager of Optical Payload Systems to oversee complex projects within the TeraWave satellite communications network, which aims to deliver data speeds of up to 6 Tbps worldwide.
  • The role requires a minimum of 5 years of program management experience in the aerospace industry and a Bachelor's degree in business, management, engineering, or a related field.
  • Compensation for this position ranges from $145,188.00 to $203,263.20, depending on the location, with additional benefits including medical, dental, and 401(k) matching.
  • Candidates should possess strong leadership, technical expertise, and excellent communication skills to effectively manage cross-functional teams and stakeholder collaboration.
  • Passion for the mission of advancing human spaceflight and a commitment to safety and quality are essential for this role.

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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 TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.Ā 

As part of a dynamic team of program managers, you will be accountable for agile delivery ofĀ highly complexĀ projects within the TeraWave portfolio. Working with cross-functional engineering teams and the Program Management Office (PMO), you willĀ facilitateĀ collaboration across the program to build a detailed understanding of technical requirements, dependencies, and implementation strategies. You will coordinate tracking of technical progress, budgetĀ utilization, iterative delivery schedules, and risk mitigation. This position directly drives the ability to deliver programĀ objectivesĀ through adaptive planning and servant leadership, requiring a strong attention to detail and commitment with a blend of technical, business, and organizational acumen. The position falls within the PMO team assigned to report directly to the Director of Optical Communications.Ā 

We are looking for someone to apply their technicalĀ expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positivelyĀ impactĀ safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision isĀ required!Ā 

Special Mentions:

  • RelocationĀ assistanceĀ available for qualified candidatesĀ 

  • Position reports directly to the Director of Optical CommunicationsĀ 

  • Travel requirement:Ā Approximately 15-20% travel may beĀ requiredĀ 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Ā 

Program Leadership & OversightĀ 

  • Provide oversight and management responsibility (including performance management & reporting) for a portfolio of small to medium size projects in support of organizational goals and strategicĀ objectivesĀ 

  • Lead others and direct all phases of assigned cross-organizational or business unit complex projectsĀ 

  • IdentifyĀ key stakeholder project-specificĀ objectivesĀ and requirementsĀ 

  • Mentor others and take responsibility for the accuracy of work through reviewĀ 

Technical & Business IntegrationĀ 

  • Develop advanced solutions to complex problems requiring regular use of ingenuity, creativity, and innovationĀ 

  • Use advanced technical judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation for obtaining results with the ability to trade off low, medium, and high-performance measuresĀ 

  • IdentifyĀ lessons learned to incorporate into future project plansĀ 

  • Balance technical requirements with businessĀ objectivesĀ and resource constraintsĀ 

Stakeholder Collaboration & Relationship BuildingĀ 

  • Develop relationships within and outside the teamĀ 

  • Regularly collaborate with key contacts outside own area of expertise to develop solutions that are reviewed by senior program and technical leadersĀ 

  • Support peer and design/project reviews throughout the Business UnitĀ 

  • Build and nurture relationships with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders

  • Facilitate collaborative decision-making across organizational boundariesĀ 

Process Development & ImprovementĀ 

  • Lead development and process improvement effortsĀ 

  • Demonstrate ability to collect and synthesize quantitative and qualitative information from multiple stakeholdersĀ 

  • Translate data into project requirements,Ā scopingĀ and planning documentsĀ 

  • Build ready-for-use and fit-for-purpose tools and processesĀ 

Value Delivery & Risk ManagementĀ 

  • Drive continuous value delivery through iterative development cyclesĀ 

  • Implement adaptive planning techniques to respond to changing requirements and prioritiesĀ 

  • Remove impediments to team progress through servant leadershipĀ 

  • Maintain a transparent risk register with clear ownership and mitigation strategiesĀ 

Financial Stewardship & NegotiationĀ 

  • Demonstrate advanced negotiating and project acceptance skillsĀ 

  • Lead financial performance of program-level accounts with an incremental funding approachĀ 

  • Implement value-based prioritization for resource allocationĀ 

  • Collaborate with Finance to ensure alignment between funding and delivery prioritiesĀ 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in business, management,Ā engineeringĀ or equivalent experienceĀ 

  • 5+ years of experience in program management in the aerospace industryĀ 

  • Advanced professionalĀ expertiseĀ in the practical application of Project Management discipline through the development cycleĀ 

  • Experience working on Aerospace Development Programs and/or Space SystemsĀ 

  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in complex technical environmentsĀ 

  • Strong facilitationĀ skillsĀ 

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate between technical and business contextsĀ 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearanceĀ 

  • Experience with satellite communications systems or optical communications technologiesĀ 

  • Agile certification (CSM,Ā SAFe, PMI-ACP) or equivalent practical experienceĀ 

  • Experience with data-driven decision making and metrics-based program managementĀ 

  • Background in systems engineering or technical product developmentĀ 

  • Experience with distributed team collaboration and remote work coordinationĀ 

  • Track recordĀ of successful stakeholder management in complex programsĀ 

  • Experience with continuous improvement methodologiesĀ 

Ā 

Why Blue Origin:Ā At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimĀ Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step,Ā Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Senior Manager of Optical Payload Systems, you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary communication technologies that will expand humanity's presence in space.Ā You'llĀ work with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access toĀ state-of-the-artĀ facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration andĀ utilization.Ā 


Ā 

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.Ā as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Ā Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include:Ā  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:Ā  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. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on ā€œKnow Your Rights,ā€ please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atĀ EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.




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