Staff Space Mission Systems 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

Umbra’s Mission Solutions Group is seeking an experienced and highly capable Space Mission Systems Engineer to drive end-to-end mission development, from early concept and architecture through launch and early operations. This role is designed for a mission-driven technical leader with deep space mission design experience who can architect complex systems, influence multidisciplinary teams, and remain hands-on in solving challenging engineering problems.

This individual will serve as a technical lead and mission architect, owning the technical vision across the full lifecycle. On the left side of the V, they will help define mission concepts, requirements, and system architecture. On the right side of the V, they will guide execution, ensuring system integrity and supporting integration, test, launch, and early operations alongside program and engineering leadership.

This position requires a strong systems thinker who can lead the design and development of spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, and the overall mission architecture. The ideal candidate is both a strategic technical leader and a hands-on engineer, equally comfortable setting direction, making critical trade decisions, and rolling up their sleeves to solve complex problems. Clear communication, cross-functional leadership, and ownership from concept to orbit are essential.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional technical teams from mission concept through flight design and launch readiness.
• Architect and formulate space missions, spacecraft, and ground systems; perform trade studies to inform system design decisions.
• Develop Concepts of Operations (ConOps), system block diagrams, and mission-level and subsystem requirements.
• Manage technical budgets, interfaces, system margins, and program risk across the mission lifecycle.
• Develop and execute comprehensive end-to-end system integration and test plans.
• Lead and support system verification and validation (V&V) activities to ensure mission and performance requirements are met.
• Guide technical teams through major program milestone reviews, including SRR and CDR.
• Travel approximately 15% to Umbra facilities in California and Washington, D.C., as well as partner and customer sites.
• Perform other professional duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of professional experience in systems architecture and design for satellite or aerospace systems.
• Proven leadership ability to drive technical concepts from early formulation through implementation and flight.
• Demonstrated experience architecting space missions, spacecraft, payloads, and ground systems.
• Strong working knowledge of systems engineering processes across the full program lifecycle.
• Deep expertise in the design and development of at least one spacecraft subsystem (e.g., Power, Communications, GN&C, ADCS, or similar).
• Experience supporting integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and on-orbit operations.
• Working knowledge of flight software, firmware development, hardware/software interfaces, and system integration considerations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and government customers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• 20+ years of professional experience in systems architecture and design for satellite or aerospace systems.

• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment while meeting the rigor and discipline required for government programs.

• Experience with SAR and RF missions and Payloads.

• Demonstrated experience delivering flight hardware or software to government or commercial stakeholders.

• Experience leading or chairing a Failure Review Board (FRB) or anomaly investigation.

• Prior experience working with U.S. Government customers or on government Programs of Record.

• Proficiency with industry-standard engineering tools such as STK, MATLAB, and Python.

• Active TS/SCI security clearance, or 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 daily in office

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 $200,000 - $230,000 DOE.