Spacecraft Electrical Engineer at Umbra in Reston, 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. 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 TeamMission Solutions – The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.

If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra.

About the Job

We are on the lookout for an Electrical Engineer with a experience in space systems, covering all facets of spacecraft requirements, design, and testing, to join Umbra’s Mission Solutions business unit. This is an exceptional opportunity that offers you both ownership and oversight of cutting-edge spacecraft products, tailored to support a diverse range of Mission Solutions customer missions. Our ideal candidate will seamlessly integrate classic spacecraft design principles with the agility of commercial practices, driving innovative capabilities and delivering remarkable results.

We believe that a robust focus on practical systems engineering processes is vital; it's all about rolling up your sleeves and getting into the nitty-gritty, not just staying in the realm of theory. We’re on the lookout for candidates who are excited to explore technical details and adjust workflows as necessary. A key aspect of this role is the ability to mentor and uplift junior engineers, making a meaningful impact on their technical journey. Collaborating closely with Mission Solutions leadership is also an essential part of the job. The perfect candidate will be a solution-oriented problem solver, an outstanding communicator, and possess a strong systems-thinking mindset that fosters innovation in spacecraft development.

This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA office.

*This opportunity is contingent upon award of a federal government contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to every stage of flight electronics design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing as a vital senior member of our Mission Solutions Engineering team.
• Lead individual subsystem design and project efforts while coordinating with relevant cross-functional stakeholders.
• Perform electrical design, including schematic, parts selection and layout, for spacecraft electronics subsystems (e.g. avionics, solar arrays, batteries, payloads, subsystems and harnessing).
• Perform analysis to demonstrate performance, survivability and optimization of electrical designs.
• Perform early design studies to support Mission Solutions pursuits and captures
• Provide guidance to junior level engineers as needed.
• Perform other professional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in spacecraft engineering, including communication, signal processing, power, RF, and/or control systems.
• Familiarity with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic and spectrum analyzers, thermal chambers, and current probes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of experience in spacecraft engineering, including communication, signal processing, power, RF, and/or control systems.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.

• Familiarity with communication protocols such as SPI, RS-422 and RS-485.

• Knowledge of DCDC switcher design and implementation.

• Excellent communications skills, ability and desire to work collaboratively in a team environment, and willingness to guide more junior engineers as needed.

• Active TS/SCI security clearance, read-in within the past two years.

• 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. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

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 $145,000 - $185,000 DOE.