Spacecraft Manufacturing 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
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 looking for a Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and sustainment of Umbra’s space vehicle and payload production lines. This position will work within Engineering in support of the Umbra SAR constellation expansion. This Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for manufacturing compliance to processes and procedures used during production. They will aid in the development and support of manufacturing processes while working directly with and leading manufacturing personnel to resolve process issues real time. They will develop, implement, and continuously improve spacecrafts and payload, assembly, and integration manufacturing processes through strong working knowledge of engineering, manufacturing, machining, assembly, integration, tooling, test, and quality assurance techniques.
This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and document production processes and procedures that enable repeatable, reliable manufacturing.
- Lead planning and execution of prototype builds, coordinating materials, hardware, engineering priorities, schedules, and technicians to successfully deliver build milestones.
- Train production personnel on new and existing manufacturing processes and procedures.
- Partner closely with hardware engineers to translate evolving designs into executable build plans, identifying manufacturing risks, assembly sequencing, and tooling needs.
- Contribute to design reviews, providing DFM expertise for machined and composite components.
- Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions.
- Resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances.
- Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
- 5+ years of experience supporting manufacturing, integration, or test of aerospace or other high-reliability hardware.
- Experience developing manufacturing plans, build procedures, and work instructions for first-time prototype builds and complex mechanical assemblies.
- Hands-on experience supporting assembly, integration, and troubleshooting of electro-mechanical systems, with a working knowledge of DC electronics and electrical test methods.
- Strong proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5 preferred).
- Experience working cross-functionally with design engineering, quality, supply chain, and test teams.
- Strong technical documentation skills, including the ability to write clear manufacturing and test procedures.
- Experience interfacing with suppliers on technical requirements, part quality issues, and production readiness.
Desired Qualifications
- 8+ years of aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing experience.
- Experience in a fast-paced, development-focused aerospace or startup environment.
- Familiarity with aerospace quality standards (AS9100 or equivalent) and configuration control processes.
- Direct experience with satellite or spacecraft subsystems, including deployable mechanisms, structural assemblies, or flight electronics integration.
- Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (vibration, thermal vacuum, shock).
- Hands-on experience with basic shop equipment such as manual lathes, drill presses, and band saws, as well as 3D printing and the design and fabrication of manufacturing fixtures and jigs.
- Experience with electrical test and troubleshooting equipment, including digital multimeters (DMMs) and oscilloscopes, and familiarity with soldering and electrical assembly processes.
- Familiarity with contamination control practices and cleanroom assembly.
- Experience with flight hardware quality control, mission assurance, and qualification processes.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks or PTC Creo.
- Experience leading technicians through complex builds and troubleshooting efforts.
- Working knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA, and Fault Tree Analysis.
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 in office daily
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 $135,000 - $165,000 DOE.
Skills
As published by workable · 8 questions
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 (8)
- How many years of experience do you have supporting manufacturing, integration, or test of aerospace or other high-reliability hardware?
- Do you have professional experience working in the aerospace or spacecraft industry?
- Which of the following have you personally developed for hardware manufacturing or integration? (Select all that apply)
- Do you have hands-on experience supporting the assembly, integration, and troubleshooting of electro-mechanical hardware?
- How would you describe your experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T?
- Have you directly interfaced with suppliers regarding technical requirements, part quality/nonconformance issues, or production readiness?
- Do you currently reside in (or within commutable distance to) the Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA area?
- If you don't reside in (or within commutable distance to) the Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA area, are you able to relocate to the area, as this is primarily an in-office role?