Systems Engineering Manager

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.

If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that?s redefining what?s possible in remote sensing, you belong here at Umbra.

Umbra is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager to lead the Mission Solutions Systems Engineering group. This individual will oversee the engineers who architect, design, build, test, and operate Umbra's advanced satellite and space mission technology. As Systems Engineering Manager, you will collaborate with systems, hardware, and software teams, along with senior technical leadership, to drive the development of new technologies while fostering the growth and success of a talented engineering team.

You will provide functional leadership through coaching, mentoring, performance management, career development, and workforce planning, helping engineers grow both technically and professionally. The Systems Engineering Manager will lead our mission architects, mission designers, and systems engineers throughout the program lifecycle?from early concept and mission definition through delivery to our customers. You will partner closely with Program Management and technical leadership to ensure alignment across technical execution, program objectives, and team development, enabling successful mission outcomes.

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

• Establish & maintain systems engineering technical excellence within Mission Solutions.
• Lead, contribute, and support the systems engineering group through the full program lifecycle.
• Contribute and review proposal submissions for accuracy in technical content.
• Functional management of technical staff includes:
  • Coordinating and reporting on departmental efforts.
  • Conducting regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.
  • Guiding the professional development and career planning of mission solutions engineers.
  • Manage workload, assignments, support, and conflict resolution for team members.
  • Ensuring compliance with legal regulations, security standards, and company policies.
  • Identifying opportunities for process improvements and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Program staffing forecasts and recruiting:
  • Collaborate with stakeholders on headcount planning and hiring.
  • Work closely with project and technical leads to understand the scope of work, ensuring high-quality and efficient execution.
• Develop resource basis of estimates for proposals and department growth.
• Use agile practices to support sprint planning, track progress, and manage individual performance.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or a related STEM field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in systems engineering or a related field, with 3+ years of professional experience in direct personnel management.
• 3+ years of professional experience in space mission systems engineering.
• 3+ years of professional experience managing complex technical projects from planning through execution.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams, including hiring, performance management, career development, succession planning, workload allocation, and accountability for technical quality and schedule performance.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• 10+ years of professional experience in systems engineering or a related field, with 7+ years of experience in direct personnel management.
• 5+ years of professional experience managing complex technical projects from planning through execution.
• 5+ years of experience in space mission systems engineering.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic environment.
• Experience with agile project management practices and tools, such as scrum, SAFe and Jira.
• Experience with traditional project management practices and tools, such as critical path analysis, resource loading and MS Project.
• Experience with the full program lifecycle including systems engineering, software, and hardware deliverables.

• Flexible Time Off,…