Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer at Umbra in Arlington, VA

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. 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 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 at one of our office locations: Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA; Arlington, VA; or Reston, VA.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, 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).
  • Developing and executing work instructions, test plans, and test reports.
  • Partnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues .
• Providing 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5-8+ years of professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and/or manufacturing engineering.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 12+ years of professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering.

• A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.

• In-depth knowledge of space launch requirements and processes.

• Experience working with RF devices, understanding of their basic principles, and familiarity with relevant analysis software.

• 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 devices, understanding of their basic principles, and familiarity with relevant analysis software.

• 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 $150,000 - $200,000 DOE.