Spacecraft Systems Engineering Intern

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

As a Systems Engineering Intern, you'll work alongside our talented Systems Engineering team to help shape the next generation of Umbra spacecraft. You'll gain hands-on experience contributing to the development of cutting-edge space systems, supporting projects from concept through execution. Your attention to detail, organization, and willingness to learn will play an important role in helping deliver high-quality solutions that advance our mission.

This is a full- or part-time Intern position for this summer (2026) based in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Systems Engineering team across a variety of tasks including requirements management, verification and validation, and completion of spacecraft end-item data packages.
• Assist with the organization of new and existing critical technical baselines.
• Support design and release documentation efforts as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled and progressing towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field, with at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Practical experience designing, building, and testing engineering systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a proactive approach to tasks.

Desired Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with and understanding of LEO space systems, subsystems, and the associated space environment.
• Familiarity with requirements management.
• Proven ability to apply engineering judgment for spacecraft analysis and decision making.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and program lifecycle.
• Experience writing test plans.

Benefits

• Free parking
• Free lunch and snacks 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 $25/hr to $35/hr.