Principal Technical Program Manager - Emerging Systems
Blue Origin LLC
Seattle, WA
JOB DETAILS
JOB TYPE
Full-time, Employee
SKILLS
ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Affirmative Action, Agile Programming Methodologies, Budget Management, CDL Driver's License, Calendar Management, Communication Skills, Communication Systems, Computer Science, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Disability Accommodations, Electricity, Federal Laws and Regulations, Fiber Optics, Genetics, Government Contracts, Hardware Development, Hazardous Materials/Substances, High Reliability, Laser Communications, Laser Science, Leadership, Legal, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing Management, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Material Moving, Matrix Management, Medical Records, Metrics, Military, Negotiation Skills, Onboarding, Optical Engineering, Optics, Organizational Skills, Photonics, Physics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Development Methodology, Program Evaluation, Program Planning, Programming Methodologies, Project Management Professional (PMP), Project/Program Management, Prototyping, Quality Metrics, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Resource Management, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Road Tests, Satellite Communications, Schedule Development, Scrum Project Management and Software Development, Software Engineering, State Laws and Regulations, System Test, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, Systems Reliability, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Delivery, Technical Leadership, Testing, Validation Testing
LOCATION
Seattle, WA
POSTED
30+ days ago
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 Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized support across Blue Origin business unit teams, functions, and locations.
As a Principal Technical Program Manager, you will lead complex, multi-disciplinary technical programs for our advanced laser communications and optical systems team. You will drive the planning, execution, and delivery of mission-critical space-based optical communication systems from concept through production. This role requires exceptional leadership skills to coordinate cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, and operational staff while managing technical dependencies, risks, and program milestones. You will be responsible for translating strategic vision into executable roadmaps that deliver innovative solutions for challenging space environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead end-to-end program management for advanced laser communication systems and optical technologies, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technical requirements
Create and maintain comprehensive program plans, schedules, and resource allocations across multiple engineering disciplines
Coordinate complex dependencies between hardware, software, and optical engineering teams to ensure synchronized development and integration
Drive technical decision-making processes and facilitate resolution of cross-functional issues to maintain program momentum
Establish program governance frameworks, including key metrics, milestone tracking, and executive reporting mechanisms
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks through structured risk management processes
Lead technical reviews and milestone assessments, ensuring compliance with program requirements and quality standards
Represent programs to senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, effectively communicating technical concepts and program status
Collaborate with engineering leads to optimize hardware development cycles, manufacturing processes, and testing protocols
Guide teams through technical challenges in optical systems, fiber optics assembly, and laser communication technologies
Drive continuous improvement in program management methodologies and engineering processes
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field
10+ years of experience in technical program management for complex hardware development
7+ years of experience managing optical, electrical, or aerospace engineering programs
Demonstrated experience with full lifecycle program management, from conception through production
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and development methodologies
Experience with risk management, resource planning, and schedule development for technical programs
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex, matrix organization
Experience with program budgeting, financial tracking, and resource allocation
Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts to various audiences
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field
Experience with space systems, satellite communications, or optical communications technologies
Background in photonics, laser systems, or fiber optics technologies
PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent program management certification
Experience with Agile, Scrum, or hybrid product development methodologies
Knowledge of verification and validation processes for high-reliability systems
Experience with government contracts or aerospace industry programs
Background in managing manufacturing transitions from prototype to production
Experience with technical risk assessment and mitigation for first-of-kind systems
Strong technical acumen with ability to understand engineering tradeoffs and guide technical decision-making
History of successfully delivering complex technical programs under challenging constraints
Experience with ASIC development, hardware integration, or optical systems testing
Excellent negotiation and influence skills to drive consensus across stakeholders
Compensation Range for:
CA applicants is $197,849.00 - $276,987.90
WA applicants is $197,849.00 - $276,987.90
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.as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
Required for Certain Job Profiles: 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: 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: 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 "Know Your Rights," 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 atEEOCompliance@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.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e. current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158. Learn more about the ITAR here.
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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here and here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to view a copy of 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 at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.
About the Company
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