Spacecraft Mechanical 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 the 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 seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our multidisciplinary engineering team as a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer, where you will play a key role in developing next-generation space systems and mechanisms. The ideal candidate is passionate about designing, prototyping, building, and testing hardware using first principles engineering, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

This position is based in our Santa Barbara office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build and test spacecraft hardware and mechanisms, including:

  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements
  • Developing initial design concepts and physical prototypes
  • Working closely with the Chief Engineer and Systems Architects to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability
  • Creating detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
  • Developing and executing work instructions, test plans, and test reports
  • Partnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues

• Providing mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed

• Occasionally supporting launch and test campaigns outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends

• Performing other duties as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Physics, or a related field

• 5+ years of professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering

• 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

• A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment

Desired Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering

• In-depth knowledge of space launch requirements and processes

• Experience with Agile development methodologies

• Familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronics assemblies, and harnessing

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Arduino, or MATLAB

• Experience working with RF devices, understanding of their basic principles, and familiarity with relevant analysis software

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.