Technical Project Manager

Location

Ashburn HQ

Full time

On-site

Operations

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering Space Solar Energy to the world. We operate at the intersection of space infrastructure and energy abundance, providing baseload power across entire continents 24/7, without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Washington, DC area and backed by world‑class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

The Technical Project Manager will serve as a key operational leader responsible for sourcing, supplier management, and supply chain strategy for the hardware, materials, and services required to develop and deliver our spacecraft payload. This role involves managing a high‑value bus vendor relationship, building a supplier base for internally developed payload hardware, and ensuring the timely delivery of quality parts and services to support our development and flight programs.

You will work closely with engineering, finance, and operations teams to enable mission success through strategic and efficient procurement. The ideal candidate will be resourceful, detail‑oriented, and comfortable navigating the unique challenges of aerospace and defense supply chains.

• Manage commercial and contractual relationships with our spacecraft bus vendor, including milestone tracking, deliverable acceptance, and issue resolution
• Partner with engineering teams to understand technical requirements and translate them into procurement specifications, RFQs, and statements of work
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, lead times, and terms to achieve optimal cost, quality, and schedule outcomes
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers supporting payload development
• Build and maintain an approved vendor list (AVL) and supplier database suited to our payload architecture
• Manage supplier performance through scorecards, audits, and corrective action processes
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including long‑lead items, sole‑source dependencies, and export control considerations
• Support inventory management and material planning to align with program schedules
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other applicable regulatory requirements across all procurement activities
• Contribute to the development of procurement policies, processes, and tools as the company scales

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field
• 5–8 years of experience in project management, ideally including specific exposure to procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management
• Experience managing complex vendor relationships, including large subcontracts or system‑level suppliers
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR regulations and their implications for procurement and supplier management
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier contracts
• Proficiency with ERP or procurement software systems
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, especially engineering
• U.S. citizenship required

• Experience at a startup or early‑stage aerospace or defense company
• Familiarity with procuring electronics, power hardware, or RF components for space or defense payloads
• Experience managing bus or platform vendor relationships with a prime contractor or integrator
• Experience building procurement functions from the ground up, including process development and tool selection
• CPM, CPSM, or equivalent professional certification
• Knowledge of should‑cost modeling and total cost of ownership analysis

The health and safety of our employees and their families comes first. In addition to competitive salary and equity, we offer medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 6 weeks of paid time off, parental leave, and employer 401K matching. The Company reserves the right to…