Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer

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. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.
About the Team
Remote Sensing – The Data
Remote Sensing is where Umbra got its start, and our agile Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation remains the most capable on the market. We transform satellite data into real- world, actionable insights that strengthen U.S. national security and intelligence, support disaster response, and advance scientific discovery. Our team delivers data at scale with unmatched quality, persistence, and the speed and responsiveness our partners demand. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in remote sensing, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
We are seeking a Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer to become an integral part of our dynamic Mission Operations team! This engineer will play a crucial role in the on-orbit commanding, controlling, monitoring, and tasking of our expanding constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. In this exciting position, you will be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of our vital on-orbit assets, participating in launch and early orbit operations for future launches, performing mission-critical analyses, responding and resolving on-orbit anomalies, supporting collection tasking, and providing essential feedback and guidance to our internal hardware, software, and collection management teams.

The Mission 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 various projects and responsibilities that span a broad area of expertise. We value team players and often work together to solve problems, brainstorm ideas, and execute critical tasks on orbit.

This position is based on-site in our Arlington, VA office.

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.
• Respond to on-orbit anomalies, perform anomaly investigation and root cause analysis, and execute resolution activities.
• Develop and improve automated workflows for day-to-day operations, analysis, anomaly resolution, conjunction assessment, orbital maintenance, and mission planning.
• Support tasking operation and optimization, analyze overall system utilization and facilitate unique customer requests as needed.
• Support other teams in spacecraft modeling, simulation, mission design, and systems engineering analyses for current and future development efforts.
• Define and complete high-level tasks with limited oversight from management.
• Ad hoc tasking of satellites to evaluate and test new modes of operation.
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve satellite imagery and other products.
• Support off-hour operations (weekends and/or nights) independently, while maintaining strong communication with the overall team.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems engineering, physics, computer science, or a related STEM field.
• 1-3+ year(s) of 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.
• Familiarity with at least one of the following: orbital mechanics, attitude control, LEO GNC systems, space systems engineering, spacecraft propulsion, flight software, or 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, such as overnights and/or weekends.

Desired Qualifications

• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
• Comfortable working on high-level tasks independently.
• Experience working with radar or remote sensing satellites.
• Familiarity with mission operations software, ground control systems, or command scripting.
• Exposure to low Earth orbit (LEO) mission dynamics and constraints.

• 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 daily in office

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.

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 cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $90,000 - $120,000 DOE.