Remote- Systems Engineering -

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. 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.About the Team Mission Solutions – The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.

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 As Umbra's Cryptographic Systems Engineer , you will own the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type 1 cryptographic capabilities across our space and ground systems. You will lead the development of secure communications architectures from concept development and trade studies through implementation, integration, verification, NSA certification and accreditation, launch, and on-orbit operations. Working closely with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, government customers, and the National Security Agency, you will define the COMSEC architecture that protects command and telemetry links, mission data, and cross-domain interfaces for national security missions. This role is responsible for ensuring Umbra's secure communications solutions meet the highest standards for performance, resiliency, and compliance while supporting rapid development, production, and deployment of advanced space systems. As the technical authority for cryptographic integration, you will establish the engineering standards, certification strategy, and secure communications framework that future Umbra programs build upon.

This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office or Reston, VA office.

Lead crypto designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, certification, and on-orbit operations.

Define COMSEC architecture for command, telemetry, and mission data protection, including encryption, key management, and key loading approaches.

Serve as Umbras primary technical interface to NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation.

Partner with flight software, avionics, RF, ground, and security teams to integrate cryptographic functions into the broader system architecture.

Support COMSEC handling, key management planning, and operational procedures for on-orbit fleet operations.

Identifyand mitigate cryptographic and supply-chain risks across design and production.

Establish reusable cryptographic standards, interfaces, and processes that scale across Umbras satellite production line.

Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

8+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications.

Direct experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment, integration, and certification processes.

Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to reason from first principles across hardware, software, and RF boundaries.

Government security clearance. S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Desired Qualifications 12+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications.

Experience supporting ISR, SAR, or other space-based intelligence collection missions.

Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment.

Experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations.

Knowledge of satellite mission operations, TT&C systems, mission planning, or ground data processing architectures.

Government, DoD, Intelligence Community, or NRO space programs.

Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)

Stock Options

Free lunch daily in office

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. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

ITAR/EAR Requirements This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.