Mission Systems 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?

We are seeking a Mission Systems Engineer to support Umbra’s Mission Solutions line of business. This role will collaborate closely with the Program Manager to ensure effective scoping, resourcing, technical excellence, and successful outcomes for our Mission Solutions programs. The Mission Systems Engineer will lead early mission analysis, define and decompose mission requirements, conduct trade studies, and oversee mission assurance, verification, and validation activities throughout all program phases. They will work cross-functionally to align program needs with company capabilities and provide recommendations to leadership when necessary. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in spacecraft systems engineering, be mission-oriented, an excellent communicator, adaptable, and ready to tackle complex challenges.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in Umbra's Arlington, VA office.  However, we are open to considering Hybrid applicants located in the VA/DC/MD area, and applicants located in Santa Barbara, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for programs within the Mission Solutions portfolio, ensuring excellence in all program elements.
• Collaborate with customers and mission architects to thoroughly document mission requirements, including a robust verification and validation plan, and assist in breaking them down for the technical teams.
• Oversee the development of technical CDRL artifacts, such as Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Work alongside the Program Manager and other Umbra leadership to ensure programs are adequately resourced and positioned for success.
• Define and lead trade studies to identify the most effective architecture for the overall system.
• Direct all mission assurance activities for the program and manage associated technical risks.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mission-level space systems engineering.
• Technical degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs successfully.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers, staff, and other stakeholders.
• In-depth understanding of National ISR collection systems and innovative ideas on how Umbra can support critical U.S. Government missions.
• Solid background in space systems engineering.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced development environment.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
  

Desired Qualifications

• Extensive experience working with U.S. Government clients, including DoD, IC, and Civil sectors, particularly with NRO and USSF.
• Significant experience with international partner nation remote sensing systems (commercial, state-sponsored, and national).
• In-depth knowledge of SAR, RF, and other remote sensing missions.
• Experience with distributed space systems comprising constellations of multiple spacecraft.
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and architecture modeling practices, tools, and frameworks (e.g., SysML, DoDAF).
• INCOSE certification or equivalent is a plus.

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

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

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 - $190,000.