Senior​/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—from 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.

Space Systems—The Components. Space Systems turns hardware and software designs into on‑orbit realities, developing, implementing and iterating mission‑ready core technology while advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. The team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems—including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, payloads, flight software, firmware, and digital design solutions—to support the entire hardware stack.

We focus on first‑principles engineering and insist that everything works when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our SAR constellation, ensuring flight‑proven reliability where failure is not an option.

• Design and analyze spacecraft mechanisms, including:
  • Serve as the technical lead for spacecraft mechanisms and pointing systems, driving architecture decisions, technical trades, and risk reduction activities.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to derive and refine requirements.
  • Create motorization budgets.
  • Perform detailed design and component selection for encoders and signal routing/cable management.
  • Design for launch loads and stow/release behavior.
  • Create pointing budgets accounting for on‑orbit behaviors.
• Work closely with the Chief Engineer and Systems Architects to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to mechanical engineers across the organization.
• Create detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Own the design through the full build and test lifecycle, including:
  • Lead technical reviews, root‑cause investigations, and resolution of complex hardware issues.
  • Conduct qualification campaigns.
  • Develop test plans and equipment selection for verification of torque and torque margin and open‑loop and closed‑loop pointing performance.
  • Verify as‑built performance over temperature and in the presence of base disturbance.
• Develop and execute work instructions, test plans, and test reports.
• Partner with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
• Provide mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
• Occasionally support launch and test campaigns outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 10–15+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years of experience developing motor‑driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payload systems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and ownership of spacecraft hardware through qualification and delivery.
• Strong multidisciplinary understanding of mechanisms and mechanical systems.
• Hands‑on experience in manufacturing and assembling parts using various methods and standards.
• 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.

• 18+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with 10+ years of experience developing motor‑driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payload systems.
• A strong desire to thrive in a…