Senior Project Manager

at  Umbra

Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity.
Our mission: Deliver global omniscience.
To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our Space Systems Business Group and lead project and program management efforts across a range of technically complex initiatives, including business development. This role will drive multi-disciplinary development for cutting-edge satellite technologies as well as well as productization of space systems components. As a Senior Project Manager within our Space Systems Business Group at Umbra, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software, and product teams, as well as senior leadership, to make a significant impact on the development of innovative technologies that play a crucial role in satellite delivery.
This position is based in our Santa Barbara office, allowing you to work closely with our Spacecraft Hardware and Software teams.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience in project management
• 5+ years of experience managing engineering projects.
• Bachelors Degree in Engineering or Related STEM field.
• Proficiency in traditional project management practices and tools (e.g., critical path analysis, resource loading, MS Project).
• Hands-on experience with agile project management practices and tools (e.g., Scrum, SAFe, Jira).
• Proven ability to drive projects to successful completion under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic work environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience in project management.
• 7+ years of experience in engineering project management.
• Technical expertise in satellite technologies and systems.
• Demonstrated experience using Jira to manage engineering projects.
• PMP (Project Management Professional), CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management), or CSM (Certified Scrum Master) certification(s).

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.

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary technical development efforts and customer facing business development efforts within the Space Systems Business Group, ensuring successful project execution.
• Collaborate with management, business development, product owners, and technical leads to define project scope and strategy, build detailed schedules, and ensure projects remain on track, within budget, and meet timelines.
• Oversee project team performance, ensuring high-quality deliverables and maintaining project velocity.
• Utilize agile methodologies to support sprint planning, track progress, and provide regular status updates.
• Manage non-technical project aspects, including workload distribution, task assignments, resource needs, and conflict resolution within the team.
• Facilitate project team scrums, working groups, and technical exchange meetings as needed.
• Represent project team needs, capacity, and challenges in planning meetings, collaborating with architects, business owners, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and continuously improve processes to enhance team efficiency and project effectiveness.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.