Senior Technical Program Manager

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role 

The Space Component Development workstream is ramping up many exciting projects and are looking for an additional team member to help manage, plan, and execute successfully. Ongoing efforts span from component level upgrades to total spacecraft design iterations. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated, collaborative, and supportive team to achieve novel on-orbit capabilities. This role will directly contribute to large scale and high impact efforts within the company. You will help drive Capella’s ability to launch cutting edge technologies to space. 

Qualifications  

• Experience leading technology projects through full program lifecycle including planning, execution, project closure, stakeholder management and issue/dependency management 
• Experience developing and maintaining a comprehensive project portfolio, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technology projects, and tracking and maintaining schedules and status across multiple development projects 
• Ability to prioritize projects and programs based on strategic importance, resource availability and business impact 
• Experience managing complex budgets including labor forecasts, actuals, material subs 
• Mentor and knowledge share with project resources ensuring accountability for project deliverables 
• Strong, clear and concise documentation and communication skills with broad range of technical/non-technical resources, internal/external audiences, and all levels of the organization 
• Ability to translate technical requirements into work delivery plans. 
• Strong Problem-solving and proven data driving-decision making abilities, proactively identifying critical-path actions, risks, and opportunities to accelerate progress
• Experience with varying project management methodologies (ie. Waterfall, agile, scrum) 
• Hands-on experience with leading teams through agile transformation  
• Proven self-starter with experience in a fast-paced, nimble environment 
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Preferred Qualifications 

• 5+ years of program management experience 
• Proficiency in project management software tools and collaboration platforms such as MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, and Confluence 
• Work experience in space 
• Engineering/ technical education background 
• Experience with government programs
• Strong hardware or software background 
• Vendor management experience 
• Experience with Jira/ agile management a plus 

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $135,840 - $179,988. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks 

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: 

• We offer up to 100% paid medical coverage, with robust vision and dental plans, comprehensive flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health plans 
• Equity 
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement planning 
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy 
• Commuter & Parking Benefits 
• Mental Health Resources 
• Monthly phone stipend 
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens.  
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!