Spacecraft Mechanical 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 JobWe are seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our multidisciplinary engineering team as Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer to support Umbra’s Mission Solutions business unit. This is a unique role, providing you with both ownership and oversight of new and innovative spacecraft products to support a variety of Mission Solutions customer mission sets. Our ideal candidate will effortlessly blend traditional spacecraft design principles with the nimbleness of commercial methodologies to achieve innovative capabilities and outstanding results. 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 in our Reston, VA office.

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

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 other engineers across the company 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.
• Support early design efforts for Mission Solutions pursuits and captures.
• Providing mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, spacecraft experience preferred.
• 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.
• 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 professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and/or manufacturing engineering.

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

• Experience designing spacecraft deployable structures.

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

• Experience with Agile development methodologies.

• 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.

• Active security clearance.

• 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 $135,000 - $175,000 DOE.