Spacecraft Mechanical 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 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 in our Santa Barbara office.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, build and test spacecraft hardware and mechanisms, including:
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements.
- Developing initial design concepts and physical prototypes.
- Working closely with the Chief Engineer and Systems Architects to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
- Creating detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
- Developing and executing work instructions, test plans, and test reports.
- Partnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
- Providing mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
- Occasionally supporting launch and test campaigns outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Performing other duties as required.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- 3+ years of professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and/or manufacturing engineering.
- Strong multidisciplinary understanding of mechanisms and mechanical systems.
- Hands-on experience in manufacturing and assembling parts using various methods and standards.
- Proficiency in CAD software, with experience in design and drafting to ASME Y14.5 standards.
- Expertise in first principles analysis, including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently research, diagnose, and clearly explain technical challenges and solutions.
Desired Qualifications
- 7+ years of professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and/or manufacturing engineering.
- A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.
- In-depth knowledge of space launch requirements and processes.
- Experience with Agile development methodologies.
- Familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronics assemblies, and harnessing.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Arduino, or MATLAB.
- Experience working with RF devices, understanding of their basic principles, and familiarity with relevant analysis software.
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 $125,000 - $150,000 DOE.
Skills
As published by workable · 8 questions · 1 written answer
Basics
First name, Last name, Email, Phone, Address, Education, Experience, 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 (7)
- How many years of professional experience do you have in aerospace, mechanical, and/or manufacturing engineering?
- How many years of professional experience do you have working specifically in the aerospace or spacecraft industry?
- Do you have hands-on experience manufacturing, assembling, integrating, or troubleshooting mechanical hardware?
- Do you have professional experience using CAD software to design and draft mechanical components or assemblies in accordance with ASME Y14.5/GD&T standards?
- Do you have professional experience in first principles analysis, including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?
- 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?
Written answers (1)
- Which CAD software(s) are you most proficient in?