Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer - Mechanisms

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 highly skilled and motivated professional to become an integral part of our dynamic and multidisciplinary Space Systems engineering team as a Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer. In this position, you will have the opportunity to contribute significantly to the design and development of innovative, next-generation space systems and mechanisms. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for designing, prototyping, building, and testing hardware, as well as demonstrable expertise in the area of rotating machinery.

This position is based on-site in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA, Arlington, VA, or Reston, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyze spacecraft mechanisms, including:
• Serve as the technical lead for spacecraft mechanisms and pointing systems, driving architecture decisions, technical trades, and risk reduction activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive and refine requirements.
• Create motorization budgets.
• Perform detailed design and component selection for encoders and signal routing/cable management.
• Design for launch loads and stow/release behavior.
• Create pointing budgets accounting for on-orbit behaviors.
• Work closely with the Chief Engineer and Systems Architects to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to mechanical engineers across the organization.
• Create detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Own the design through the full build and test lifecycle, including:
• Lead technical reviews, root-cause investigations, and resolution of complex hardware issues.
• Conduct Qualification campaigns.
• Develop test plans and equipment selection for verification of torque and torque margin and open loop and closed loop pointing performance.
• Verify as built performance over temperature and in the presence of base disturbance.
• Develop and execute work instructions, test plans, and test reports.
• Partner with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
• Provide mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
• Occasionally support launch and test campaigns outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical. Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 10-15+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years of experience developing motor-driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payload systems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and ownership of spacecraft hardware through qualification and delivery.
• 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

• 18+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with 10+ years of experience developing motor-driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payload systems.
• A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.
• Experience serving as the technical lead or responsible engineer for complex hardware development programs.
• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with thermal analysis.
• Experience interfacing with RF systems and associated EMI/EMC practices.
• Experience with closed loop motor-encoder automation in lab or on-orbit.
• Expertise in pointing, acquisition and tracking.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Familiarity with electronics assemblies and harnessing.

• 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 $180,000 - $220,000 DOE.