Senior Flight Software Engineer

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
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

We are seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to support Umbra's Mission Solutions business unit in developing requirements, designing software architecture, writing code, and overseeing system integration and testing. You will also provide expert guidance in software design, code development, peer reviews, documentation, and integration with flight hardware, including unit testing. This is a unique opportunity to design and implement new features and capabilities that enhance Umbra's existing software baseline, tailored to meet specialized Mission Solutions program needs.

The ideal candidate is a solution-driven problem solver, an exceptional communicator, and possesses a strong systems-thinking mindset to drive innovation in spacecraft software development.

This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA office. This opportunity is contingent upon award of a federal government contract.
Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to design, develop, and maintain reliable, fault-tolerant flight and payload software.
• Architect and implement software solutions to meet high-level system requirements while managing interfaces with multiple spacecraft subsystems and ground systems hardware.
• Create and maintain documentation for software operation and interfaces with other system components.
• Develop & test command and control software for spacecraft flight operations and payload electronics.
• Participate in and contribute to test campaigns, from unit-level testing to automated system and subsystem-level testing.
• Present high level technical concepts simply and clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Take on additional professional duties as assigned.

Requirements
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 8-10+ years of proven experience in high-reliability software development.
• 5+ years in developing concurrent and asynchronous code.
• Demonstrated leadership of software execution for a satellite bus.
• Experience with full software lifecycle: specification, design, implementation, integration, debug and maintenance is required.
• Strong background in embedded software development, including experience with Rust or C/C++.
• Experience programming with SoC architectures in Linux.
• Experience with Ethernet networking, TCP/IP, and IPSec.
• Experience with cyber security and NSA approved crypto.
• Ability to travel up to 10-20% of the time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of proven experience in high-reliability software development.
• Strong understanding of processor architecture, with the ability to optimize code for performance and memory usage.
• Experience programming on embedded ARM cores supporting SoC architectures in Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal environments.
• Familiarity with Python programming.
• Knowledge of hardware interfaces such as Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, and PCIe.
• Experience with software used in autonomous, fault-critical systems.
• Background in developing, deploying, and maintaining software product lines.
• Experience with space system development, including space and ground segments.

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
• Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed
• Free lunch daily in office

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity…