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.

About the Team

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 GNC systems, 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 looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to join the Space Systems Business Group, where you will provide leadership and guidance to both personnel and programs while managing Umbra's highly skilled Systems Engineering and GNC teams. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Space Systems and involves overseeing a team responsible for designing, testing and supporting operations of cutting-edge satellite technology.

As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software, and product-focused teams, as well as senior leadership, to drive the development of innovative technologies and support the professional growth of a talented group of engineers.

This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead personnel and oversee programmatic initiatives for the Systems Engineering and GNC teams within the Space Systems Business Group.
• Support the professional growth and career development of spacecraft systems engineers and GNC engineers, incorporating feedback from technical leadership.
• Drive innovation and implement process improvements to Umbra's systems engineering and space vehicle design practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work closely with project, product, and technical leads to understand project scope, ensuring team members execute tasks with high quality and efficiency.
• Manage team members in areas such as workload, task assignments, support, development, and conflict resolution.
• Hold regular one-on-one meetings with team members and conduct quarterly performance evaluations.
• Partner with various stakeholders to execute headcount planning, recruitment, onboarding and training of new personnel.
• Represent the team's needs and capacity in technical meetings, collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure well-informed solutions.
• Work directly with the Operating Manager of Space Systems to coordinate and report on departmental efforts.
• Apply agile methodologies to support sprint planning, track progress, and manage individual performance.
• Ensure the team adheres to legal, security, and company policy requirements.
• Perform other professional duties as assigned.

Requirements
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related STEM field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related technical field, including at least 5 years of direct engineering personnel management.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in systems engineering and space vehicle development.
• 3+ years of experience supporting or overseeing space vehicle GNC systems and related architecture.
• Demonstrated experience leading functional engineering teams, including hiring, performance management, career development, succession planning, workload allocation, and accountability for technical quality and schedule performance.
• Proficiency in traditional project management practices, including critical path analysis, resource planning, and schedule management tools (e.g., MS Project).
• Working knowledge of Agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe) and associated tooling (e.g., Jira).
• Proven ability to build, mentor, and sustain high-performing engineering teams in complex technical environments.
• Excellent communication and organizational…