Reston, Virginia, United States On-site

Umbra is hiring a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

About the Role

The role involves leading systems engineering activities for spacecraft development, from concept through on-orbit operations, with a focus on performance, reliability, and mission objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end spacecraft systems engineering across all mission phases
  • Define and manage system requirements and interface specifications
  • Perform trade studies to evaluate design alternatives and system performance
  • Coordinate technical efforts across subsystem engineering teams
  • Ensure compliance with mission objectives and operational constraints
  • Develop and maintain system architecture models and documentation
  • Support integration and test activities for spacecraft hardware and software
  • Lead failure mode and risk assessments for critical systems
  • Manage technical baselines and configuration control processes
  • Interface with ground systems and mission operations teams
  • Oversee verification and validation of spacecraft-level requirements
  • Troubleshoot anomalies during testing and on-orbit operations
  • Guide development of spacecraft command and data handling systems
  • Ensure electromagnetic compatibility across onboard systems
  • Support launch site operations and spacecraft deployment activities
  • Develop test plans and procedures for environmental and functional testing
  • Lead technical reviews including PDR, CDR, and mission readiness reviews
  • Monitor schedule and technical performance across system development
  • Collaborate with software teams on onboard and ground-based applications
  • Integrate new technologies into spacecraft design while managing risk
  • Ensure radiation tolerance and space environment survivability
  • Maintain focus on mass, power, and thermal system budgets
  • Support mission assurance and quality engineering processes
  • Provide technical input for proposal and concept development efforts
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team knowledge sharing

Nice to Have

  • Master’s degree in engineering or related technical field
  • Experience with small satellite or CubeSat platforms
  • Direct involvement in on-orbit spacecraft operations
  • Experience with radar or remote sensing payloads
  • Knowledge of RF systems and antenna integration
  • Experience with autonomous spacecraft operations
  • Familiarity with agile development in hardware projects
  • Security clearance or ability to obtain one
  • Experience with distributed ground station networks
  • Background in software-defined radio systems

Compensation

Competitive salary and benefits package

Work Arrangement

Hybrid work model with flexible scheduling

Team

Collaborative engineering team focused on spacecraft development

About the Role

  • This position plays a central role in the design and execution of spacecraft missions, ensuring all technical elements align with mission goals and operational needs.
  • The engineer will work closely with subsystem leads to maintain system coherence and resolve interface conflicts.

What We’re Looking For

  • We seek a detail-oriented systems thinker who can balance innovation with proven engineering practices.
  • Candidates should demonstrate a history of delivering reliable spacecraft systems on schedule.

Impact

  • Your work will directly influence the success of space missions and the quality of data returned to Earth.
  • You will help shape the technical direction of future spacecraft designs.
Required Skills
STKMatlabPythonSystems EngineeringSpacecraft SystemsMission OperationsRequirements ManagementIntegrationTestVerificationValidationRisk ManagementTechnical DocumentationDOORSConfluence STKMatlabPythonSystems EngineeringSpacecraft SystemsMission OperationsRequirements ManagementIntegrationTestVerificationValidationRisk ManagementTechnical DocumentationDOORSConfluence
About company
Umbra
Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).
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Job Details
Category other
Posted 6 months ago