Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer
Umbra
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer
Umbra
Provides real-time SAR satellite imagery data
Umbra · Santa Barbara, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-06
Salary: USD 125,000–150,000
Workplace: on_site
Department: Space Systems
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
Space Systems – The Components
Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option.
If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
We are seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our multidisciplinary engineering team as a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer, where you will play a key role in developing next-generation space systems and mechanisms. The ideal candidate is passionate about designing, prototyping, building, and testing hardware using first principles engineering, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
This position is based on-site at one of our office locations: Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA; Arlington, VA; or Reston, VA.
Key Responsibilities
Design, build and test spacecraft hardware and mechanisms, including:
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements.
Partnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
Providing mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
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 $125,000 - $150,000 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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