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
Mission Solutions – The Platforms
Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.
If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
In this role, you will lead and support spacecraft and payload AI&T activities at our Goleta, California site and at customer locations both domestically and internationally.
You will develop and execute hardware and software integration and test plans, along with the necessary test equipment, to provide innovative solutions for our customers. By collaborating with customers and Umbra subject matter experts, you will troubleshoot and resolve anomalies during integration and test activities.
The ideal candidate is an experienced AI&T engineer, a systems thinker, and a solution-focused innovator who excels at solving complex technical challenges using sound engineering principles. Strong communication skills and the ability to travel to customer sites are essential for leading AI&T activities from subsystem integration through launch.
Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office, Arlington, VA office, or Reston, VA office (coming soon).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead assembly, integration, and testing of Umbra space products at customer sites.
- Support assembly, integration, and testing of Umbra space products at Umbra sites.
- Become an expert in Umbra products, including spacecraft, payloads, and ground systems.
- Conduct electrical, mechanical, and software integration and troubleshooting.
- Develop and implement hardware and software test procedures and documentation.
- Build and deploy ground support equipment and special test equipment (GSE and STE).
- Conduct on-site system-level testing.
- Support Umbra customers and train end users for testing and operations.
- Periodic travel is required to support integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities and campaigns at Umbra in Santa Barbara and customer sites, both domestic and international. Expected level is around 25% with some durations longer than a week.
- Perform other assigned professional duties.
RequirementsRequired Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
- 5-8+ years of relevant technical experience.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft and payload subsystems.
- Demonstrated experience with integration, testing, launch, and operations.
- Experience with flight software, test software, and end to end system testing.
- Demonstrated experience with hardware software troubleshooting and anomaly resolution.
- Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers and Umbra staff.
- Good communication skills, ability to collaborate in a team, documentation, and willingness to learn new technologies.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced development environment.
- Ability to travel around 25% of the time, both domestic and international, with some durations longer than a week.
Desired Qualifications
- Delivered spacecraft and subsystems to stakeholders.
- Built and delivered ground support equipment.
- Experienced in testing automation.
- Developed end-to-end mission solutions.
- Expertise in electrical or software disciplines.
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
- Free Parking
- Free lunch in office daily
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 $140,000 - $190,000 DOE.
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What We Do
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.
Why Work With Us
Umbra has a vision to illuminate the world, meaning anyone can find out what's happening on the ground anywhere on Earth at any time. Exciting challenges lie ahead—new software products, satellite launches, and space missions are in the works. Steered by our core values, we’ll tackle these challenges creatively and collaboratively. Join us!
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