Hardware Test Infrastructure Engineer at Umbra in Santa Barbara, CA

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 Hardware Test Infrastructure Engineer to join our dynamic Space Systems team. In this role, will will be responsible for standing up, maintaining, and integrating the hardware infrastructure that powers our engineering test environments, all while working closely with engineers across disciplines. You’ll collaborate with teams to ensure reliable test systems, seamless integration of third-party equipment, and robust infrastructure documentation and support.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Stand up and maintain servers, computers, and other hardware test resources.
• Install and integrate third-party test systems such as thermal chambers, vacuum chambers, and power supplies.
• Develop and maintain documentation to support test infrastructure and ensure repeatability.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues in partnership with engineers.
• Ensure high availability and reliability of test systems and related equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers to design, integrate, and operate test infrastructure for Umbra internally developed hardware, such as radios, avionics, GNC peripherals and other subsystems including FlatSats.
• Contribute to test readiness and operational success by maintaining hardware performance, reliability, and documentation.
• Occasionally support mission-critical activities such as launch and test campaigns outside of standard hours (evenings, weekends).
• Perform additional engineering tasks as required to support program milestones and mission success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3-5+ years of experience supporting, testing, or troubleshooting computer hardware and/or complex electronic assemblies.
• Proven experience with installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers, computers, and test hardware.
• Hands-on experience integrating third-party test systems (thermal, vacuum, power supplies, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of power and networking infrastructure.
• Ability to document infrastructure and processes clearly and concisely.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to support engineers across multiple domains.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.

• 8+ years of experience supporting, testing, or troubleshooting computer hardware and/or complex electronic assemblies.

• Strong knowledge of power and networking infrastructure, including harnessing design and maintenance.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, PCB design documents, and mechanical drawings.

• Ability to generate and understand system-level block diagrams for hardware/software integration.

• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware environment.

• Knowledge of automation tools for test environments.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environment.

• 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

• Free lunch in office daily

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

Pay Transparency This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $140,000 - $170,000 DOE.