Senior Flight Software Engineer (Rust)
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 Senior Flight Software Engineer, with expertise in the Rust programming language, to take an active role in the development and delivery of embedded flight software specifically tailored for Umbra missions. In this pivotal role, you will be tasked with a range of critical responsibilities, including but not limited to the formulation and specification of software requirements, the comprehensive design of robust software architecture, and the actual writing and implementation of code. You will take lead responsibility for the essential processes of system integration and testing, ensuring that all components function seamlessly together.
In addition to your core development responsibilities, you will also be expected to provide expert guidance and mentorship in various aspects of software design, code development, and peer code reviews. Your role will include oversight of thorough documentation practices and the meticulous integration of the flight software with flight hardware, which encompasses conducting tests to ensure reliability and performance. The ideal candidate shows ownership, is a solution-driven problem solver, an exceptional communicator, and possesses a strong systems-thinking mindset. Your contributions will be vital to the success of our missions, driving innovation and excellence in software engineering within our team.
This position is based on-site in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office, Arlington, VA office, or Reston, VA office.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive yourself and all of your team to become better software engineers.
- Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to design, develop, and maintain reliable, fault-tolerant flight and payload software.
- Architect and implement software to meet high-level system requirements, while managing interfaces with multiple spacecraft subsystems, ground systems and hardware.
- Develop command and control software for spacecraft flight operations, payloads, and peripheral electronics.
- Contribute to and lead test campaigns, from unit-level testing to automated system and subsystem-level testing.
- Create and maintain detailed documentation for software operation and interfaces with other system components.
- Present high level technical concepts simply and clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Take on additional professional duties as assigned.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or higher degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of proven experience in architecting and developing high-reliability software with Rust or Modern C/C++.
- 4+ years of systems and/or embedded software development with Rust or Modern C/C++.
- 2+ years developing concurrent code with asynchronous Rust.
- Proficient working within Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal environments.
- Experience leading software design and development processes, including version control, bug tracking, and documentation.
- Experience building and maintaining Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines, automated testing and build/release management, and static/dynamic analysis tools.
- Able to travel up to 15% (between Umbra’s Virginia & Santa Barbara offices).
Desired Qualifications
- 8+ years of proven experience in architecting and developing high-reliability software with Rust or C/C++.
- 3+ years developing concurrent code with asynchronous Rust.
- 3+ years with space systems development, including space and ground segments.
- 3+ years with software used in autonomous, fault-critical systems.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic development environment.
- Hands-on experience with kernel development using Yocto or similar.
- Background in developing, deploying, and maintaining software product lines.
- Familiarity with Python programming.
- Strong understanding of processor architecture, with the ability to optimize code for performance and memory usage.
- Knowledge of hardware interfaces such as Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, and PCIe.
- Knowledge of dynamics and control systems.
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
- Free Parking
- Free lunch daily in office
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 $155,000 - $185,000 DOE.
Skills
As published by workable · 5 questions · 2 written answers
Basics
First name, Last name, Email, Phone, Address, Resume, Are you legally authorized to work in the US for any employer? , To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. , Cover letter, How did you hear about Umbra? , What is the highest level of education that you completed?, What is your desired base pay?, When are you available to start?, Various federal laws restrict the employment and post-government employment (PGE) activities of federal government employees. Please identify your employment status with the United States Federal Government, including civilian or military. Umbra may request additional detail on the nature of any U.S. Federal Government employment and may require provision of an agency ethics opinion letter., Similar to federal laws there may be state and local laws that regulate the post-government employment (PGE) activities of current or former state or local government (municipal government) employees. These regulations may vary from state to state but may address activities related to contracting, procurement, regulatory or legislative roles, or other public employment within a municipal government. Please select your employment status with respect to municipal governments., If you answered "I have never..." to both of the above questions, please select N/A. If you answered with something else, answer the following question: Did you in the past, or are you now, participating in, supervising, or otherwise responsible for any active or pending government procurement or contract administration matter that does or might involve Umbra Lab, Inc. and/or a matter that has a direct or potential effect on the financial or business interests of Umbra Lab, Inc.?, If you answered "I have never..." to both of the above questions, please select N/A. If you answered with something else, answer the following question: To the best of your knowledge, is any member of your immediate family (including spouse, parents, siblings, and children), member of your household, or person with whom you have a similarly close personal relationship a current employee of the U.S. Federal Government, a municipal government, or a candidate for political office?
Short answers (1)
- Have you worked as a Flight Software Engineer? How many years of experience do you have?
Pick from a list (2)
- Do you currently reside in (or within commuting distance of) the Santa Barbara, CA or Arlington/Reston, VA areas?
- If you don't reside in the Santa Barbara, CA or Arlington/Reston, VA areas, are you able to relocate to either area, as this is primarily an in-office role?
Written answers (2)
- This position requires experience developing concurrent code with asynchronous Rust. Please elaborate in a short paragraph your Rust experience including your years of experience as well.
- This position requires embedded software development with Rust. Please elaborate on your experience in a short paragraph and include years of experience.