Umbra is hiring a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer to design and implement the next generation of space systems for its Mission Solutions programs. You will be responsible for designing and developing manufacturable, modular, and resilient space vehicles while introducing innovative solutions to meet customer needs.
What You'll Do
- Lead spacecraft development through the full product life cycle, from concept through on-orbit operations.
- Lead the development and technical implementation of Umbra’s spacecraft architecture and subsystem definitions.
- Define concepts of operations to inform mission and payload design.
- Conduct mission and spacecraft trade studies to guide budget allocations, system baselines, and equipment selection.
- Manage interfaces between spacecraft, subsystems, and payloads for both internal and externally funded development programs.
- Support hardware and/or software development with individual technical contribution in your area of expertise.
- Support assembly, integration, and test phase of the program.
- Contribute to business development and capture efforts by authoring and reviewing formal responses and proposals.
- Travel up to 15% may be required between Umbra facilities in California and Northern Virginia, as well as to partner and customer locations.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
- 8-10+ years of relevant technical experience.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft and payload subsystems.
- Expertise in the development of at least one spacecraft subsystem (e.g., Power, Comm, GN&C, Mechanical, Electrical).
- Proven leadership ability to drive technical concepts from formulation to implementation.
- Experience with integration, testing, launch, and operations.
- Knowledge of flight software, firmware development, and interfaces.
- Familiarity with systems engineering processes and program lifecycle.
- Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers and Umbra staff.
- Good communication skills, ability to collaborate in a team, and willingness to learn new technologies.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced development environment.
Nice to Have
- Proficient in engineering tools such as STK, Matlab, and Python.
- Delivered spacecraft or subsystems to stakeholders.
- Experienced in developing end-to-end mission solutions.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance or read-in within the past two years.
Technical Stack
- STK
- Matlab
- Python
Team & Environment
You will work closely with Umbra’s Remote Sensing and Space Systems teams.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $160,000 - $200,000 DOE + equity: Stock Options
- 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 role in Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA, Arlington, VA, or Reston, VA.
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.
