Senior Systems Engineer
Umbra
Senior Systems Engineer
Umbra
Provides real-time SAR satellite imagery data
Umbra · Reston, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-09-18
Salary: USD 180,000–210,000
Workplace: on_site
Department: Mission Solutions
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 an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for a complex space mission program spanning space, ground, launch, mission operations, and mission design. This individual will serve as the program’s senior technical lead, maintaining the program technical baseline and ensuring alignment across internal engineering teams, program leadership, partners, and the customer.
The Lead Systems Engineer will work closely with the Program Manager on a daily basis to manage technical execution, respond to customer needs, maintain program scope, manage technical risks, and develop solutions and offsets as program requirements evolve.
This is a highly visible, customer-facing role requiring strong systems engineering fundamentals, operational experience, technical judgment, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through major program milestones and delivery activities.
This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office, Reston, VA office, or Santa Barbara, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
Provide systems engineering leadership across the:
Space Element
Mission Design and Modeling & Simulation
Maintain technical alignment among Umbra engineering teams, program management, external partners, and the customer.
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 $180,000 - $210,000 DOE.
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Umbra builds high-resolution SAR microsatellites for real-time Earth observation. Its satellites use Synthetic Aperture Radar to capture radar imagery day or night and through clouds, delivering precise data for applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security. Data is accessed via subscriptions and customized imaging services, with customers including government agencies, private firms, and research institutions. The company operates end-to-end, overseeing the development, launch, and operation of its SAR satellites, and provides imagery through a platform or data feeds. Unlike competitors who may offer optical imagery or smaller-scale sensors, Umbra specializes in SAR microsatellites that provide all-weather, high-resolution radar data in real time. The goal is to help solve global challenges by supplying reliable, timely satellite observations that support decision-making and strategic planning.
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