Spacecraft Thermal 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 seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our multidisciplinary engineering team as a Spacecraft Thermal 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. We are looking for an effortless blend of traditional spacecraft analysis principles with the nimbleness of commercial methodologies to achieve innovative capabilities and outstanding results.

The ideal candidate is passionate about spacecraft thermal systems, as well as working with other engineers to optimize the design and inform design decisions on a cross-functional team. Bonus if you are a multi-disciplinary engineer with the ability and desire to work in various mechanical roles. You will play a key role in developing next-generation space systems and mechanisms utilizing first principles engineering 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

• Create entire spacecraft thermal analysis models to inform spacecraft design, including:
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements.
  • Developing initial concept analysis models.
  • Working closely with other engineers across the company to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
  • Creating detailed analysis documentation, including analysis reports, reduced node/element models
  • Partnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to develop and execute test plans
  • Create system and subsystem thermal analysis modes
• Run on orbit thermal analysis of whole spacecrafts and use test data to correlate your models.
• Support early design efforts for Mission Solutions pursuits and captures.
• Provide thermal engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
• Travel up to 15% may be required between Umbra facilities in California and Northern Virginia, as well as to partner and customer locations
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3-5+ years of professional experience in thermal engineering or a related discipline, preferably within aerospace or high-reliability systems.
• Strong foundation in first-principles analysis in complex environments.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing thermal models for spacecraft, subsystems, and electronic components.
• Experience performing component- and board-level thermal analysis to support design and validation efforts.
• Hands-on experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing and correlating analytical models to test and/or on-orbit data.
• Proficiency with industry-standard thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop or Icepak.
• Proven ability to translate analysis results into actionable design recommendations and drive thermal design improvements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• 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 thermal engineering or a related discipline, preferably within aerospace or high-reliability systems.

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

• Multi-disciplinary mechanical engineer with desire to lead & support a full development.

• Proficiency in CAD software, with experience in design and drafting to ASME Y14.5 standards.

• Experience with assembly, integration, testing including developing and executing test plans.

• Ability to perform mechanical analysis & STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical, performance).

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Arduino, or MATLAB.

• Experience with delivery of a spacecraft or subsystems to stakeholders.

• Experience working with RF devices and understanding of their basic principles.

• 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.