Senior Material Program Manager

About the role

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company that owns and operates the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform. We provide satellite imagery, automated analytics, and high-frequency monitoring services to military and intelligence organizations, as well as commercial companies. The Senior 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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• At least six (6) 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.