Director, Program Management Office

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 and Team 

The Capella Program Management Office (PMO) provides project, program and portfolio management, training, tools and infrastructure, and processes and procedures to plan, and successfully execute a wide range of complex projects and program for both internal (IRAD) and external (customer funded) projects.   The Director, PMO will strategically support Capella’s portfolio of work to ensure the most efficient and effective management of projects and programs. The PMO Director is a key member of Capella’s leadership team and participates in defining operational efficiencies that enable Capella’s strategic priorities.  

As Capella embarks in more large-scale custom solutions, the PMO Director will implement, roll out, and support new processes and templates that meet our customers’ needs and enable us to scale. They will help evolve the project management strategy and processes to develop a framework of project management standards, tooling, and best practices to fit large-scale transformational projects, customer-driven custom solutions, and Internal Research and Development efforts for both Hardware and Software capabilities while leading key projects themselves. 

Role Responsibilities 

• Directly manage key programs/projects to successfully deliver on time and on budget 
• Develop, grow, and manage a team of Program/Project Managers, providing leadership and guidance to drive successful project execution. 
• Establish and maintain program/project management policies, procedures and standards in accordance with Capella strategic objectives and industry best practices. 
• Partner with all levels across the organization to ensure visibility, alignment and clarity are achieved. 
• Lead technology projects through full project lifecycle including planning, execution, project closure, stakeholder management and issue/dependency management. 
• Oversee and facilitate Capella’s people capacity management process to ensure the right resources are allocated to the right projects at the right time. 
• Define and manage the project operating rhythms including steering committees, project and business reviews, and OKR quarterly commitments and reviews. 
• Partner with key leaders in roadmap definition and vision that enables Capella’s strategic priorities. 
• Participate in prioritization of new projects to ensure alignment with strategic priorities, resource allocation, and Technology and PMO readiness. 
• Leading the PMO staff in driving the delivery of projects/programs 
• Must be willing and able to build on the existing but nascent frameworks deployed around JIRA & Confluence. 

Qualifications 

• 8+ years managing cross-functional teams on a variety of small to large complex projects. 
• 5+ years leading a team of project managers. 
• Demonstrated experience successfully developing change plans and leading transformational change across the organization. 
• Demonstrated ability to build teams and foster strong relationships with project teams and senior leadership. 
• Broad knowledge of project management tools, processes, and approaches available including Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall, IRAD, and contractual projects. 
• Experience leading/supporting hardware and software projects/programs preferred 
• Must be fluent in JIRA and Confluence. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and a high degree of comfort speaking with senior leadership. 
• Demonstrated ability to be an articulate and persuasive leader who can serve as an effective collaborator with executive leadership. 
• Experience managing U.S. Government programs and international program a plus 
• 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. 

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $172,000 - $227,763.  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 provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Stock option grants for new hires 
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy 
• Lifestyle Spending Account 
• 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!