Opto-mechanical Technical Program Manager

This role leads complex, spacecraft-level opto-mechanical programs, coordinating cross-functional engineering teams to deliver space-grade optical communication systems on very tight timelines. The Technical Program Manager operates at the intersection of systems engineering and program management, driving stakeholder alignment, clarifying and verifying requirements, and ensuring successful design and manufacture of advanced optical and electrical components used in space communication networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead large, complex technical programs focused on spacecraft-level opto-mechanical systems, treating each program as an integrated engine or rocket stage rather than a small subsystem.

• Own end-to-end program delivery, including planning, scheduling, execution, risk management, and delivery against aggressive timelines.

• Align stakeholders across optical, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test teams, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding of priorities and goals.

• Operate effectively in a highly dynamic environment, frequently pivoting in response to changing priorities and treating ambiguity and change as normal aspects of daily work.

• Apply a systems engineering perspective to validate and verify requirements, identify gaps, and ask probing questions to ensure technical completeness and feasibility.

• Serve as a key communication bridge between engineering teams and leadership, providing concise updates, including 30-second summaries when needed, and clearly articulating status, risks, and decisions.

• Coordinate work related to optical communication systems, including lasers, switches, mirrors, cameras, and related space-sized components, ensuring program milestones are met.

• Support the development of optical communication networks and pathways, including optical links and meshes that enable spacecraft-to-spacecraft communication via laser pointing and tracking.

• Use tools such as Smartsheet to manage schedules, tasks, dependencies, and reporting for complex, multi-site programs.

• Collaborate closely with optical and electrical engineers, ensuring technical issues and trade-offs are clearly understood and effectively communicated across the team.

• Act as an extension of the core leadership team, representing program status, challenges, and needs with clarity, professionalism, and a strong sense of ownership.

• Work across multiple facilities, coordinating in-person meetings and cross-site collaboration to keep programs on track., This role operates across multiple sites, with regular in-person work required at facilities in Redmond and the Kirkland factory. The environment is highly dynamic, with priorities and gears frequently shifting, so you will work in a fast-paced setting where change is constant and responsiveness is essential. You will collaborate closely with optical, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test teams, using tools such as Smartsheet to coordinate complex, multi-disciplinary work. The culture values adaptability, clear communication, and a strong sense of ownership over technically challenging, space-grade hardware programs.

• Proven experience as a Technical Program Manager (TPM) running large, complex engineering programs, preferably at a Level IV or equivalent seniority.

• Strong background in systems engineering or a close partnership role between systems engineering and program management.

• Demonstrated ability to manage spacecraft-level or similarly complex systems, rather than small or isolated subsystems.

• Experience working with opto-mechanical or optical systems, with the ability to understand and track work involving lasers, optical communication components, switches, mirrors, and cameras.

• Proficiency with Smartsheet or similar program and project management tools for planning, tracking, and reporting.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide concise, high-impact updates and clearly document plans, requirements, and status.

• Ability to work effectively with optical and electrical engineers and communicate technical concepts and trade-offs clearly, even without being a hands-on designer.

• Comfort operating under tight timelines, with the ability to prioritize, make trade-offs, and keep teams focused on critical path items.

• High tolerance for ambiguity and frequent changes in priorities, with the ability to pivot quickly and maintain composure and effectiveness.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, including aligning diverse technical and non-technical partners around common goals and timelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in consumer electronics, aerospace, or space systems where complex hardware is designed and manufactured at scale.

• background or exposure to spacecraft communication systems, including optical links, communication pathways, or optical mesh networks.

• Experience in environments similar to launch vehicle, engine, or spacecraft development programs.

• Demonstrated passion for complex hardware programs and space-related technologies.

• Experience working at the intersection of hardware engineering, manufacturing, and test organizations.

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85.00 - $90.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available * Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term disability * Health Spending Account (HSA) * Transportation benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.