Umbra is looking for a Senior Mission Systems Engineer to architect and implement the next generation of ground segment systems for its Mission Solutions programs. In this role, you will design scalable, secure, and operationally resilient software and systems that support command, control, communications, and scheduling. You will play a critical role in developing Umbra’s ground architecture to meet the evolving needs of domestic and international customers.
What You'll Do
- Lead the development and technical implementation of Umbra’s space system ground segment product line.
- Architect, build, test, and maintain applications that support satellite operations, including mission scheduling, spacecraft command, telemetry, and mission data pipelines.
- Automate spacecraft operations and implement anomaly detection and response.
- Perform systems engineering and use case analysis to define functional components and interfaces of end-to-end ground architecture.
- Ensure alignment between company strategy, mission requirements, and product architecture.
- Present system and software solution architectures to internal stakeholders to secure technical buy-in.
- Provide software architecture expertise to cross-disciplinary teams.
- Support business development and capture efforts as a key technical contributor.
- Travel up to approximately 15% between Umbra facilities in California and Northern Virginia, and to partner and customer facilities.
- Take on other professional duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
- 8-10+ years of relevant technical experience.
- 6+ years of experience with enterprise satellite ground architecture development.
- Strong leadership ability, proven to drive new technical concepts from formulation to implementation.
- Strong interpersonal ability, able to interact effectively with customer and Umbra staff.
- Experience building software to automate space operations.
- Demonstrated foundational understanding of software architecture, event-driven microservices, interface design, and automated testing patterns.
- Experience with database-backed applications and relational database concepts, preferably Postgres.
- Solid understanding of cloud and application security, access control, and identity management.
- Good communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and willingness to learn new skills and technology.
- Experience developing Kubernetes/Docker containerized services.
- Current security clearance or willingness and ability to acquire one.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
Nice to Have
- 5+ years of professional experience developing highly available web services with server-side scripting languages, preferably Python.
- Strong understanding of infrastructure monitoring principles, best practices, and implementation.
- Experience designing and documenting commercial APIs with Swagger/OpenAPI.
- Experience working within an R&D environment, including prototyping and systems engineering.
Technical Stack
- Python
- Postgres
- Kubernetes
- Docker
Team & Environment
You will collaborate closely with Umbra’s Remote Sensing and Space Systems teams.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $120,000 - $200,000 DOE
- Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
- Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
- 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
- Stock Options
- Free parking
- Free lunch in office daily
Work Mode
This is an onsite position based at Umbra facilities in California or Northern Virginia.
Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
