Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

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 seeking a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer with extensive experience in space systems, encompassing all aspects of spacecraft requirements, design, and testing. This role is technically focused, providing both ownership and oversight of spacecraft products. The ideal candidate will blend traditional spacecraft design philosophies with the agility of commercial approaches to deliver cutting-edge capabilities and high-quality results.

A strong emphasis on practical systems engineering processes, rather than theoretical ones, is essential. Candidates should be willing to engage deeply with technical details and adapt processes as needed. Additionally, the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers is important, as this role involves supporting their technical development. Collaboration with leadership across the Space Systems Business Group is also a key component of this position.

This position is located onsite in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in spacecraft products and systems engineering practices across the Space Systems Business Group.
• Conduct technical analyses, develop models, and execute simulations.
• Lead multidisciplinary technical efforts to support both internal and external customers.
• Collaborate with Flight Software, Hardware, Manufacturing, and GNC engineers.
• Derive and implement system and subsystem-level requirements based on mission-level requirements from internal or external customers.
• Coordinate, track, verify, and validate requirements.
• Develop and release high-quality, well-organized system requirements documents, subsystem specifications, verification plans, and other formal documentation.
• Support regulatory compliance for ground-based and on-orbit operations.
• Manage relationships with third-party customers and vendors, including government, commercial, and foreign entities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace engineering.
• Hands-on experience and solid understanding of LEO space systems, subsystems, and the associated space environment.
• Proven ability to apply engineering judgment for spacecraft analysis and decision-making.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing, documenting, and tracking space system requirements.
• Proficiency in Agile development practices.
• Effective at providing constructive feedback to junior engineers.
  

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 15+ years of experience in aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in project management.
• Experience with the full product lifecycle and sales.
• Proficiency in model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Familiarity with Jama requirements management.
• Understanding of software/hardware integration and system architectures.
• Experience as a technical lead in systems engineering or within a multidisciplinary team.
  

Benefits

• 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
  

 

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.