Staff Program Manager

BlackSky; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance & AD&D

401(k) match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional development

Paid time off & holidays

Volunteer leave

Mac or PC? Your choice!

Awesome swag

Job summary

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company delivering satellite imagery, analytics, and high-frequency monitoring. We are seeking a Technical Program Manager to drive aerospace and defense technology programs, coordinating with government customers, engineers, and subcontractors to meet cost, schedule, and technical goals.

The role reports to the VP, Customer Programs and is hybrid, with locations in Herndon, VA; Albuquerque, NM; or Denver/Colorado Springs, CO.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in aerospace/defense or related program management.
• Experience with DoD, IC, AFRL, Space Force, or NASA programs.
• Active security clearance (secret preferred).
• Experience with government contracting mechanisms (SBIR/STTR, OTA, CPFF, T&M, fixed-price).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of leadership.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate government-funded R&D, prototype, and transition programs.
• Develop and maintain schedules, risk registers, and action trackers.
• Monitor milestones, deliverables, and program metrics.
• Prepare and deliver customer briefings, reviews, and status updates.
• Lead or support internal reviews and coordination meetings.
• Track contract actions, funding, subcontractor performance, and invoicing.
• Support proposal efforts and transition planning for follow-on phases.
• Identify risks and coordinate mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate communications with government stakeholders and leadership.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Scheduling

Risk management

Customer engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, aerospace, systems engineering, business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PM tools

Job description

Staff Program Manager

About Us

BlackSky is a real‑time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space‑based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high‑frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky’s data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting‑edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people‑first, customer‑focused and fun.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly capable and proactive Technical Program Manager (TPM) to support the execution of advanced aerospace and defense technology programs. The TPM will work closely with the Program Manager, technical leadership, government customers, subcontractors, and cross‑functional teams to ensure successful program execution across cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer engagement objectives. This role requires a combination of strong program management discipline, technical understanding, operational execution, and the ability to coordinate across rapidly evolving R&D and prototype development efforts. The ideal candidate thrives in fast‑paced, innovation‑driven environments and is comfortable operating across both strategic and tactical levels. This position reports to the VP, Customer Programs and is a hybrid role located either in Herndon, VA, Albuquerque, NM or Denver/Colorado Springs, CO.

Responsibilities

• Support day‑to‑day execution of government‑funded R&D, prototype, and transition programs.
• Coordinate program activities across engineering, business operations, contracts, finance, supply chain, and subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, risk registers, action item trackers, and program execution plans.
• Monitor technical progress, milestones, deliverables, and program metrics to ensure alignment with customer expectations.
• Assist with preparation and delivery of customer briefings, technical reviews, program status reports, and executive updates.
• Lead or support internal program reviews and coordination meetings.
• Track contract actions, funding status, subcontractor performance, and invoicing activities.
• Help manage proposal efforts, contract modifications, and transition planning for follow‑on phases.
• Identify program risks and coordinate mitigation strategies.
• Facilitate communication between government stakeholders, company leadership, and technical teams.
• Support development and implementation of efficient program management processes and tools.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future program growth and customer engagement opportunities.
• Other job‑related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, aerospace, systems engineering, business, or related field.
• At least ten (10) years of experience in aerospace, defense, space systems, or advanced technology program management.
• Current active secret clearance, preference for active TS clearance.
• Proven experience driving revenue management strategies and leading execution across complex, cross‑functional programs.
• Experience supporting or managing DoD, IC, AFRL, Space Force, DARPA, NASA, or related government programs.
• Familiarity with government contracting mechanisms including SBIR/STTR, OTA, CPFF, T&M, and/or fixed‑price contracts.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Experience working with cross‑functional technical teams and subcontractors.
• Proficiency with standard program management tools and Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, systems engineering, business, or related field.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training.
• Experience with space systems, remote sensing, SDA/SSA, optical systems, or satellite programs.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping, spiral development, and transition‑to‑production environments.
• Experience supporting proposal development and customer capture activities.
• Understanding of systems engineering and hardware/software integration processes.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life, and AD&D insurance.
  • BlackSky pays 100% of employee‑only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out‑of‑pocket expenses.
• 15 days of PTO, 11 company holidays, four floating holidays (pro‑rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more.
• 401(k) pre‑tax and Roth deferral options with employer match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs.
• Employer matching donations.
• Professional development.
• Mac or PC? Your choice!
• Awesome swag.

The anticipated salary range for candidates is $160,000‑$180,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi‑state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of these locations.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf