Senior Mission Systems 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

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

Umbra is seeking a driven Mission Systems Engineer to architect and implement the next generation of ground segment systems for our Mission Solutions programs. This role is responsible for designing scalable, secure, and operationally resilient software and systems that support command, control, communications, and scheduling functions. You will play a critical role in developing and enhancing Umbra’s ground architecture—tailoring existing capabilities and introducing novel solutions to meet the evolving needs of domestic and international customers.

As a technical leader, you will guide the decomposition of requirements, system architecture design, hands-on software development, and integration across cross-functional domains. You will collaborate closely with Umbra’s Remote Sensing and Space Systems teams to deliver mission-critical products and services.

The ideal candidate is a systems thinker and a solution-focused innovator who thrives in solving complex technical challenges using sound engineering principles. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to lead in a multidisciplinary environment are essential.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara / Goleta, CA office or Arlington, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and technical implementation of Umbra’s space system ground segment product line, leveraging current and future infrastructure and technologies.
• Architect, build, test, and maintain applications that support satellite operations, including mission scheduling, spacecraft command, telemetry, and mission data pipelines, automation of spacecraft operations, and anomaly detection and response.
• Perform systems engineering and use case analysis to define and document the functional components and interfaces of end-to-end ground architecture solutions.
• Ensure alignment between company strategy, mission requirements, and product architecture, informing Umbra’s broader technical portfolio development across multiple domains.
• Present system and software solution architectures to internal stakeholders, including peers, leadership, and cross-functional partners, securing technical buy-in and ensuring architectural coherence.
• Provide software architecture expertise to cross-disciplinary teams, supporting the design of high-performance, integrated systems.
• Support business development and capture efforts as a key technical contributor, including authorship and review of formal responses and proposals for new opportunities.
• Travel up to approximately 15% may be required between Umbra facilities in California and Northern Virginia, as well as to partner and customer facilities.
• Take on other professional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

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 $120,000- $200,000 DOE.