Principal Program Manager - Strategy and Planning - TeraWave

Application close date:

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!  

We are seeking a Principal Program Manager for Strategy and Planning to serve as a strategic partner to the TeraWave leadership team for our revolutionary satellite communications network. This role will be instrumental in shaping the strategy and operational excellence of our constellation deployment. The ideal candidate brings expertise in strategic planning, program management, and organizational development, thriving in a fast-paced environment where innovation meets mission-critical execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work with the TeraWave Leadership Team to translate our vision into strategies, goals, mechanisms, and tactics for our 5,408 optically interconnected satellites
• Serve as the strategic partner to the SVP and leadership team, helping shape the strategy of the organization and enabling it to scale behind its long-term vision
• Proactively engage across business functions and teams to identify integration opportunities between LEO and MEO satellite layers
• Establish and improve organizational efficiency across the TeraWave program's multi-orbit constellation development
• Identify organizational pain points and opportunities in the development of RF and optical communications technologies
• Work with leaders to implement self-sustaining solutions with permanent owners across payload, software, and hardware teams
• Drive strategic planning across the organization to optimize constellation performance, reliability, and cost
• Shepherd the strategic planning process, inclusive of Monthly and Quarterly Reviews for the TeraWave program
• Switch effectively between macro-level strategic thinking and micro-level project management for space-based communications systems
• Act as the 'glue' that brings together different parts of the TeraWave business and organization
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives spanning satellite systems, optical communications, and enterprise network architecture
• Develop and maintain program dashboards and metrics to track progress against strategic objectives for the TeraWave constellation
• Facilitate executive-level meetings and drive decision-making processes for this enterprise-grade space network

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8-12+ years of product or program management, business development or technology experience
• Bachelor's degree
• Experience owning/driving roadmap strategy and definition for complex technical systems
• Experience with end-to-end product delivery in aerospace or telecommunications
• Experience contributing to engineering discussions around technology decisions and strategy related to communications systems
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to influence without authority across organizational boundaries

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with program management skills to execute strategic initiatives for satellite or communications systems
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in aerospace, electrical, or telecommunications
• Experience driving strategic planning processes for space systems or communications networks
• Experience wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced environment and comfort with the ambiguity of developing new space infrastructure
• Strong communication skills with a structured approach to solving complex problems in satellite communications
• Demonstrated ability to get up to speed on optical communications and RF technologies quickly
• Experience in project management methodologies for space systems development
• Knowledge of satellite communications, optical inter-satellite links, or Q/V-band RF communications
• MBA or advanced degree in a relevant field

Why Blue Origin At Blue Origin, we are motivated by a vision of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The TeraWave program represents a significant step toward that vision by creating a revolutionary communications infrastructure that will enable unprecedented connectivity across our planet and beyond. Join us in this exciting mission to build the road to space and preserve Earth for future generations.

Compensation Range for:

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

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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.

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