Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer II/III

Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity. 

 

Our mission: Deliver global omniscience.

 

To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create the solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before. 

We are looking for someone to join Umbra’s Space Operations team as a Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer II/III to aid in the on-orbit commanding, controlling, and monitoring of our growing constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. As a Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer, you will be tasked with maintaining the health and safety of our key on-orbit assets, conducting mission-critical analysis, and providing valuable user feedback and guidance to our internal hardware and software development teams. As an engineer II/III, you will help manage and train the junior engineers on the Space Operations Team.

This position offers a flexible work schedule with the ability to occasionally work from home. However, during periods of system testing, anomaly resolution, or post-launch, it may be necessary to work off-hours shifts.

The Space Operations team is a small, tight-knit group with dynamic responsibilities, making it an exciting team to be a part of. As a team, we take ownership over our team and individual projects and responsibilities. We value team players and often work together to solve problems, brainstorm ideas, and execute critical tasks on orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain a constellation of on-orbit satellites
• Support the development and execution of mission plans and on-orbit CONOPS across the vehicle life cycle, including integration, launch, early operations checkouts, payload calibrations, orbital maneuvers, and other on-orbit activities
• Develop and improve automated workflows for day-to-day operations, analysis, anomaly resolution, conjunction assessment, orbital maintenance, and mission planning
• Support the product and engineering teams in spacecraft modeling, simulation, mission design, and systems engineering analyses for current and future development efforts
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, integrate, and test hardware and software to enable highly autonomous spacecraft tasking and operations
• Direct and train a team of junior engineers in their day to day work on the same team
• Define and complete high-level tasks with limited oversight from management
• Participate in rotational on-call shifts for anomaly response and conjunction avoidance
• Ad hoc tasking of satellites to evaluate and test new modes of operation
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve satellite imagery and other products
• Communicate with customers as needed regarding tasking or products

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related STEM field (such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, physics, or computer science)
• 3+ years experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicles, or robotics
• Experience with on-orbit operations
• Comfortable with:
  • A scripting language such as MATLAB or Python
  • Orbit analysis or mission design tools such as STK, GMAT, or Free Flyer
  • Version control software such as Git

• Experience with at least one of the following: orbital mechanics, attitude control, LEO GNC systems, space systems engineering, spacecraft propulsion, flight software, rendezvous procedures
• Excellent communications skills, ability and desire to work collaboratively in a team environment, and willingness to learn new skills and technology
• Willing to support, as needed, on-call shift assignments and odd hours near launches, such as overnights and/or weekends
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment
• Comfortable working on high-level tasks independently
• Excitement to share knowledge and experience across the engineering team

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field
• Five or more years of experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicles, or robotics
• Experience managing a constellation of satellites
• Experience being a technical lead/POC for a funded program
• Experience utilizing cloud-based software
• Experience directing a small team
• Understanding of SAR or other Earth observation techniques
• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance

Benefits

• Flexible Vacation / Paid Sick Time/ Family Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, Vol Life
• 401(k) Plan with 3% non-elective employer contribution
• Stock Options

 

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

 

Employment Eligibility Verification:

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

 

ITAR/EAR Requirements:

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S.Department of Commerce as applicable.

 

Pay Transparency:
This job posting may span more than one career level. To provide greater transparency to candidates, we share base ranges for all job postings regardless of state. We set standard base pay ranges for all roles based on function and level benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. Final offer amounts are determined by skills, responsibilities and relevant work experience.