Staff 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 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 that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job We are seeking a Staff Systems Engineer to serve as a technical leader for the architecture, integration, verification, and operational evolution of next‑generation satellite systems that achieve Umbra’s current and future missions. This role will drive end‑to‑end software and systems engineering activities across spacecraft, ground systems, mission operations, and constellation‑level capabilities. The ideal candidate combines deep spacecraft systems engineering expertise with practical experience developing, integrating, testing, and operating complex satellite systems. They will work across engineering disciplines to define system behavior, guide architectural decisions, support software development and verification, and ensure successful mission execution throughout the system lifecycle. This position requires a strong understanding of how flight software, ground software, operational concepts, fault management, and mission objectives interact within an operational remote sensing or communication constellation. This position is based on‑site in either our Arlington, VA office or Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office. Key Responsibilities Work with the Space and Ground Software Chief Engineers to define and maintain end‑to‑end system architecture, interfaces, operational concepts, and technical baselines. Improve mission performance and collection efficiency through system‑level architectural enhancements. Enable seamless integration of new spacecraft and capabilities into an operational SAR constellation. Lead system decomposition, behavior definition, functional allocation, and requirements development across software‑intensive systems. Evaluate architectural trade studies and recommend solutions that improve mission performance, scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency. Support long‑term constellation growth strategies, including integration of new spacecraft capabilities and operational concepts. Collaborate with flight software, ground software, and mission planning teams to ensure integrated system performance. Participate in software reviews, design reviews, and technical assessments throughout the development lifecycle. Lead system integration and verification activities across spacecraft, payload, flight software, and ground systems. Define verification strategies and test architectures for complex software‑enabled capabilities. Investigate on‑orbit anomalies, lead root‑cause analysis efforts, and develop corrective actions across flight and ground systems. Contribute to constellation planning, operational scaling, and introduction of new mission capabilities. Provide technical leadership during major program milestones, including requirements reviews, design reviews, integration reviews, and operational readiness reviews. Mentor junior engineers and help establish systems engineering best practices across the organization. Requirements Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 15+ years of experience in space systems engineering, spacecraft software systems, mission operations, or related aerospace programs. Experience with the full spacecraft lifecycle, from concept development through on‑orbit operations. Strong background in requirements development, functional decomposition, system architecture, verification, and validation. Experience integrating spacecraft software, payload systems, ground systems, and mission operations capabilities. Demonstrated ability to lead system‑level technical investigations and anomaly resolution efforts. Experience supporting complex satellite integration and test campaigns. Strong communication skills and ability to influence technical decisions across multidisciplinary teams. Desired Qualifications Master's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 20+ years of experience in space systems engineering, spacecraft software systems, mission operations, or related aerospace programs. Experience supporting synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite systems. Experience with commercial or national security space missions. Expertise in fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) architectures. Experience with proliferated LEO constellations and constellation‑scale operations. Familiarity with mission planning, collection scheduling, and operational optimization. Experience with systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Jama, Cameo, STK, Confluence, Jira, and Git. Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for automation and analysis. Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one. 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 $200,000 - $240,000 DOE. #J-18808-Ljbffr