Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

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

Our mission is to 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.

Are you in?

Join our dynamic multidisciplinary engineering team as a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer and play an integral role in supporting Umbra's Mission Solutions business unit. This is an exceptional opportunity where you'll take the reins on innovative spacecraft products tailored to various Mission Solutions customer objectives. We are looking for a candidate who seamlessly integrates traditional spacecraft design methodologies with the agility of commercial practices to unlock groundbreaking capabilities and achieve remarkable results. You'll be pivotal in the development of next-generation space systems and mechanisms. If you're passionate about designing, prototyping, building, and testing hardware through first principles engineering and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you!

Our aim is to hire this position to work in Umbra's Arlington, VA, or Santa Barbara, CA (moving to Goleta, CA in June 2025) office.

Key Responsibilities

Design, build and test spacecraft hardware and mechanisms, including:

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements.

Developing initial design concepts and physical prototypes.

Working closely with other engineers across the company to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.

Creating detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

Developing and executing work instructions, test plans, and test reports.

Partnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.

Support early design efforts for Mission Solutions pursuits and captures.

Providing mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.

Performing other duties as required.

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 $150,000 - $180,000.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

6+ years of professional experience in spacecraft mechanical engineering.

Strong multidisciplinary understanding of mechanisms and mechanical systems.

Hands-on experience in manufacturing and assembling parts using various methods and standards.

Proficiency in CAD software, with experience in design and drafting to ASME Y14.5 standards.

Expertise in first principles analysis, including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently research, diagnose, and clearly explain technical challenges and solutions.

Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.

Willingness and ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

8+ years of professional experience in spacecraft mechanical engineering.

Experience designing spacecraft deployable structures.

In-depth knowledge of space launch requirements and processes.

Experience with Agile development methodologies.

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Arduino, or MATLAB.

Experience working with RF devices, understanding of their basic principles, and familiarity with relevant analysis software.

Active TS/SCI security clearance, read-in within the past two years.