Senior Spacecraft Mechanical 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

Space Systems - The Components
Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack.

Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option.

If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra.

About the Job

We are seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our multidisciplinary engineering team as a Senior 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 on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, 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).
• Documenting analysis and test results.
• Developing and executing work instructions, test plans, and test reports.
• Partnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
• Drive spacecraft components through full qualification campaigns including shock/vibe, thermal and TVAC.
• Provide 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.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5-7+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience, with demonstrated experience supporting spacecraft programs.
• Strong multidisciplinary understanding of spacecraft structures, assembly, and mechanisms.
• In-depth knowledge of at least one launch provider's payload users guide.
• Hands-on experience in Design for Manufacturability and following designs into low volume assembly.
• Experience taking a product or system through a Qualification or Acceptance test campaign.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of professional spacecraft experience.
• A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.
• In-depth knowledge of NASA-STD-7001 or SMC-S-016 and experience applying it to create a Qualification strategy.
• 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 or Optical 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%…