Project Manager, Mission Solutions

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

At Capella, we’re growing our Mission Solutions team and are seeking a TS/SCI-cleared technical Project Manager with experience working in the intelligence community (IC) and Depart of Defense (DoD) to lead critical customer programs and relationships. In this role, you’ll work with the Capella Customer Engagement team and technical leads across the company to deliver Capella SAR capabilities for projects in Capella’s US Government portfolio. The solutions within this portfolio include data as a service and solutions development – including tailoring Capella capabilities such as the Capella platform, data products, or satellites. This role acts as the primary point of contact with customers related to specific projects and also identifies opportunities for Capella for follow-on or adjacent growth. You will be the face of Capella - relationship management skills are key. The successful candidate must be familiar with a variety of program/project management approaches in order to adapt the best approach for the specific customer culture. This position is located in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area with the key customers being in Northern Virginia.   

Roles and Responsibilities

• Act as the primary interface with the customer for relationship management and program execution, to include correspondence, reporting, schedules, deliveries, and issue resolution. 
• Work with the appropriate Engineering and Product leads to ensure program requirements are addressed in quarterly priorities, outcomes are clearly communicated and understood, and milestones are met. 
• Proactively coordinate customer interactions, such as monthly status reviews, technical exchange meetings, and other required program activities 
• Report project status, revenue projections, risks, and opportunities to key internal stakeholders 
• Communicate Capella capabilities clearly to USG customers and stakeholders, and coordinate across Customer Engagement, Engineering and Product teams to answer deeper technical questions 
• Engage with Customers to fully understand their specific mission needs, and work across Capella deliver Solutions that ensure mission success 
• Clearly communicate project goals and how the project outcome ties into the overall customer mission 

Qualifications 

• 5+ years experience leading projects focused on delivering solutions within the IC and/or DoD
• Experience working with Customers to understand their requirements and deliver solutions to meet their mission needs 
• Experience establishing and maintaining project schedules, and track record of successful delivery 
• Experience developing and communicating project plans effectively 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain expectations with customers  
• Background in the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) community  
• Understanding of remote sensing capabilities – ideally including SAR  
• Understanding of U.S. Government systems and processes 
• Understanding of federal contracting and contract types 
• Understanding of geospatial data formats and tools  
• Takes initiative; Results-oriented attitude; Acts with a sense of urgency  
• Ability to succeed and excel in a remote working environment  
• Ability to travel within the United States; up to 25% travel outside of the Washington DC area 

Additional Required Qualifications

• 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.
• This position requires special access to conduct the work and the selected candidate must be a US Citizen, with a Top Secret security clearance and a current CI polygraph (or willingness to take a polygraph when required)  

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $137,280 - $181,896. 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!