Staff Material 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.
The Staff Material Program Manager (MPM) supports end‑to‑end material strategy and supply chain execution for space systems programs in a fast‑paced small‑business environment. This role drives material readiness, supplier performance, and cost control across development, prototype, and production phases. As a key bridge between Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, and the external supply base, the MPM leads sourcing and material planning efforts that ensure hardware is delivered on time, on budget, and with the quality required for mission success.
The right individual for this position is someone who thrives in rapidly evolving environments, solves problems with a creative approach, wears multiple hats well, and enjoys building scalable processes in a growing space organization. This position reports to the Director, Supply Chain and is a hybrid position, expected to be in the Tukwila office 2-3 days a week.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the primary Supply Chain interface for assigned programs, enabling clear decision‑making on long‑lead procurement, supplier readiness, and material risk mitigation.
- Develop, own, and execute integrated material strategies for spacecraft subsystems, launch components, avionics, propulsion hardware, ground support equipment.
- Lead early‑phase planning by partnering with Engineering on BOM development, manufacturability considerations, make/buy analysis, and phase‑appropriate sourcing strategies.
- Drive sourcing decisions and supplier selection based on technical capability, cost competitiveness, schedule performance, and alignment with small‑business program needs.
- Manage long‑lead identification and procurement, including hardware with extended lead times (e.g., space‑rated electronics, composites, machined structures, propulsion components).
- Partner with Finance and Program Management to manage material budgets, cost targets, EAC forecasting, and program financial health.
- Create and maintain supply chain risk registers, recovery plans, and mitigation actions for space‑qualified hardware and single‑source suppliers.
- Support rapid prototype builds by enabling fast‑turn procurement, tight supplier coordination, and agile material planning.
- Build and strengthen supplier relationships, including small and emerging suppliers, ensuring capability growth, reliability, and long‑term alignment with business needs.
- Drive continuous improvement in supply chain processes, material flow, and supplier performance as the organization scales.
- Provide executive‑level updates on supply chain risks, program status, and mitigation strategies, backed by data‑driven insights.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- At least eight (8) years of experience in supply chain, materials management, procurement, or program management, preferably in aerospace or hardware‑focused environments.
- Proven success managing complex Bills of Material and hardware procurement in schedule‑driven, space production, development, or engineering environment(s).
- Strong understanding of space‑industry material challenges, such as long‑lead hardware, specialized manufacturing processes, ITAR/EAR compliance, and space‑rated quality requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to influence cross‑functional teams and collaborate effectively in a small, high‑growth organization.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, cost modeling, and program financial reporting.
- Ability to operate with autonomy, prioritize effectively, and adapt in fast‑changing environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with spacecraft development, launch vehicle hardware, satellite manufacturing, or high‑reliability hardware programs.
- Familiarity with small‑business operations, including resource‑limited environments, cross‑functional roles, and process development.
- Relevant certifications (CPIM, CSCP, PMP) or graduate degree in supply chain or technical disciplines.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems common in smaller aerospace companies and comfort implementing or improving related processes.
- Strong understanding of supplier base for space‑grade electronics, precision machining, composites, propulsion components, or flight‑critical systems.
Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible employees includes:
- 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 Program
- Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
- Employer matching donations
- Professional development
- Mac or PC? Your choice!
- Awesome swag
The anticipated salary range for candidates in Tukwila, WA is $150,000-170,000 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 Tukwila, WA.
BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity 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/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
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