Principal Program Manager for Strategy and Planning

• Tera Wave

Application Information

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

About Blue Origin

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!

About Tera Wave

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with Tera Wave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Program Manager for Strategy and Planning to serve as a strategic partner to the Tera Wave 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

• Work with the Tera Wave 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 Tera Wave 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 Tera Wave 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 Tera Wave 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 Tera Wave 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 Tera Wave 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

• CA applicants: $145,425.00 - $203,593.95
• WA applicants: $145,425.00 - $203,593.95
• 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.

Employment Requirements

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%
• 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 an Equal Opportunity Employer.