Senior/Staff Flight Software 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
We are seeking a Senior/Staff Flight Software Engineer to support Umbra’s Mission Solutions business unit in developing requirements, designing software architecture, writing code, and overseeing system integration and testing. You will also provide expert guidance in software design, code development, peer reviews, documentation, and integration with flight hardware, including unit testing. This is a unique opportunity to design and implement new features and capabilities that enhance Umbra’s existing software baseline, tailored to meet specialized Mission Solutions program needs. The ideal candidate is a solution-driven problem solver, an exceptional communicator, and possesses a strong systems-thinking mindset to drive innovation in spacecraft software development.
This position is based on-site in either our Reston, VA office or Arlington, VA office.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to design, develop, and maintain reliable, fault-tolerant flight and payload software.
- Architect and implement software solutions to meet high-level system requirements while managing interfaces with multiple spacecraft subsystems and ground systems hardware.
- Create and maintain documentation for software operation and interfaces with other system components.
- Develop & test command and control software for spacecraft flight operations and payload electronics.
- Participate in and contribute to test campaigns, from unit-level testing to automated system and subsystem-level testing.
- Present high level technical concepts simply and clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Take on additional professional duties as assigned.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 8+ years of professional experience developing high-reliability software systems.
- 5+ years of experience developing concurrent and asynchronous software.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance.
- Demonstrated experience leading software development and execution for a satellite bus or spacecraft platform.
- Experience across the full software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, integration, debugging, testing, and maintenance.
- Strong embedded software development experience using Rust and/or C/C++.
- Experience developing software for SoC-based architectures in Linux environments.
- Working knowledge of Ethernet networking, TCP/IP, and IPsec.
- Experience implementing cybersecurity requirements and integrating NSA-approved cryptographic systems or solutions.
- Ability to travel 10-20% of the time.
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 15+ years of professional experience developing high-reliability software systems.
- Strong understanding of processor architectures and experience optimizing software for performance, memory usage, and resource-constrained environments.
- Experience developing embedded software on ARM-based processors in Linux, RTOS, and/or bare-metal environments.
- Experience with hardware interfaces and communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, and PCIe.
- Experience developing software for autonomous, fault-tolerant, or mission-critical systems.
- Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining reusable software platforms or product lines.
- Experience with space system development across spacecraft and ground segments.
- Familiarity with Python for development, testing, automation, or tooling.
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 in office building or Transit is reimbursed
- 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. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
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 $185,000 - $225,000 DOE.
Skills
As published by workable · 8 questions · 3 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?
Pick from a list (5)
- Do you currently hold an active TS/SCI security clearance?
- Do you currently reside in (or within commuting distance to) the Arlington, VA or Reston, VA area?
- If you don't reside in the Reston, VA or Arlington, VA areas, are you able to relocate to either area, as this is primarily an in-office role?
- Do you have experience implementing cybersecurity requirements and integrating NSA-approved cryptographic systems or solutions?
- Do you have experience developing embedded software on ARM-based processors in Linux, RTOS, and/or bare-metal environments?
Written answers (3)
- This position requires embedded software development with Rust, C++, or C (Rust is highly preferred). Please elaborate on your experience in a short paragraph and include years of experience.
- Do you have experience developing software for SoC-based architectures in a Linux environments? How many years of experience?
- Do you have experience with Ethernet networking, TCP/IP, and IPsec? Please elaborate on your experience.