Spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test; AI&T Engineer

About Umbra

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with access to critical information from space. Our mission is to 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.

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.

In this role, you will lead and support spacecraft and payload AI&T activities at our Goleta, California site and at customer locations both domestically and internationally.

You will develop and execute hardware and software integration and test plans, along with the necessary test equipment, to provide innovative solutions for our customers. By collaborating with customers and Umbra subject matter experts, you will troubleshoot and resolve anomalies during integration and test activities.

The ideal candidate is an experienced AI&T engineer, a systems thinker, and a solution-focused innovator who excels at solving complex technical challenges using sound engineering principles. Strong communication skills and the ability to travel to customer sites are essential for leading AI&T activities from subsystem integration through launch.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office (preferred) or Arlington, VA office.

• Lead assembly, integration, and testing of Umbra space products at customer sites.
• Support assembly, integration, and testing of Umbra space products at Umbra sites.
• Become an expert in Umbra products, including spacecraft, payloads, and ground systems.
• Conduct electrical, mechanical, and software integration and troubleshooting.
• Develop and implement hardware and software test procedures and documentation.
• Build and deploy ground support equipment and special test equipment (GSE and STE).
• Conduct on-site system-level testing.
• Support Umbra customers and train end users for testing and operations.
• Periodic travel is required to support integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities and campaigns at Umbra in Santa Barbara and customer sites, both domestic and international. Expected level is around 25% with some durations longer than a week.
• Perform other assigned professional duties.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 5-8+ years of relevant technical experience.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft and payload subsystems.
• Demonstrated experience with integration, testing, launch, and operations.
• Experience with flight software, test software, and end to end system testing.
• Demonstrated experience with hardware software troubleshooting and anomaly resolution.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers and Umbra staff.
• Good communication skills, ability to collaborate in a team, documentation, and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced development environment.
• Ability to travel around 25% of the time, both domestic and international, with some durations longer than a week.

• Delivered spacecraft and subsystems to stakeholders.
• Built and delivered ground support equipment.
• Experienced in testing automation.
• Developed end-to-end mission…