Lead Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer

Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity. 

Our mission: Deliver global omniscience.

To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before. 

We are looking for a talented, mission driven Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer to be the team lead of our talented Spacecraft Operations Team. We value continuous improvement and optimization and strive every day to be better. The ideal individual has technical expertise on both spacecraft systems and software. As well as experience with operating a semi-automated constellation of earth observation satellites. The individual should be able to provide architectural guidance and become intimately familiar with how Umbra’s software and hardware systems interact. This position leads by example by working to address anomalies, improve processes to advance our space operations capabilities, automation, and the operational reliability of Umbra’s growing constellation of satellites. Additionally, they will collaborate with different teams within the organization to integrate new tools, methods, and technologies that enhance our suite of orbital capabilities and expand our range of product offerings. Remote considered with regular travel to Santa Barbara on a case-by-case basis.

This position offers a flexible work schedule with the ability to occasionally work from home. However, during periods of system testing, anomaly resolution, or post-launch, it may be necessary to work off-hours shifts.

The Space Operations team is a small, tight-knit group with dynamic responsibilities, making it an exciting team to be a part of. As a team, we take ownership over our projects and responsibilities. We value team players and often work together to solve problems, brainstorm ideas, and execute critical tasks on orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and leadership in spacecraft operations

• Train and direct junior engineers

• Communicate key concepts effectively to team members, fostering collaboration

• Translate high-level objectives into actionable plans

• Optimize radar, satellite, and software systems

• Make critical decisions with senior leadership, including conjunction avoidance and decisions on non-recoverable operations

• Develop independently, develop in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and improve automated workflows for day-to-day operations, analysis, mission planning, and anomaly resolution

• Execute mission plans across the vehicle life cycle including launch, early operations, payload calibration, orbital maneuvers, as well as support spacecraft modeling and systems engineering in future mission plans

• Communicate with customers and improve satellite imagery and products

• Monitor, operate, and maintain a constellation of on-orbit satellites including ad hoc tasking of satellites to evaluate performance and test new modes of operation

• Participate in rotational on-call shifts for anomaly response and conjunction avoidance

• All other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related STEM field (such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, physics, or computer science)

• 5+ years of experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicles, or robotics

• 5+ years of experience with on-orbit operations

• 3+ years of experience in leadership/management roles (team, project, personnel, technical, etc.)

• Experience with:

  • A scripting language such as MATLAB or Python
  • Orbit analysis or mission design tools such as STK, GMAT, or Free Flyer
  • Version control software such as Git
  • Multiple of the following: orbital mechanics, attitude control, LEO GNC systems, space systems engineering, spacecraft propulsion, flight software, rendezvous procedures, constellation management

• Excellent communications skills, including the ability and desire to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment within a lean agile framework

• Willingness to learn new skills and technology

• Support, as needed, on-call shift assignments and odd hours near launches, such as overnights and/or weekends

• Possess deep expertise in On-orbit trouble shooting.

• Comfortable working on high-level tasks independently

• Coach and mentor junior engineers to enhance the technical strength of the team.

• Excitement to share knowledge and experience across the engineering team

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field

• 10+ years of experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicles, or robotics

• Experience utilizing cloud-based software

• Understand SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) or other Earth observation techniques

• Understand regulatory constraints and processes related to satellite operations

• Willingness to provide in-person team leadership on a continual or at least intermittent basis

• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance

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

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

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 span more than one career level. To provide greater transparency to candidates, we share base ranges for all job postings regardless of state. We set standard base pay ranges for all roles based on function and level benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. Final offer amounts are determined by skills, responsibilities and relevant work experience.