Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity.

Our mission: Deliver global omniscience.

To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create the solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before.

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated professional to become an integral part of our dynamic and multidisciplinary Space Systems engineering team as a Staff Mechanical Engineer. In this position, you will have the opportunity to contribute significantly to the design and development of innovative, next-generation space systems and mechanisms. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for designing, prototyping, building, and testing hardware, as well as demonstrable expertise in the area of rotating machinery.

This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

Design and analyze spacecraft mechanisms, including:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive and refine requirements.
- Create motorization budgets.
- Perform detailed design and component selection for encoders and signal routing/cable management.
- Design for launch loads and stow/release behavior.
- Create pointing budgets accounting for on-orbit behaviors.
Work closely with the Chief Engineer and Systems Architects to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
Create detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
Own the design through the full build and test lifecycle, including:
- Conduct Qualification campaigns.
- Develop test plans and equipment selection for verification of torque and torque margin and open loop and closed loop pointing performance.
- Verify as built performance over temperature and in the presence of base disturbance.
Develop and execute work instructions, test plans, and test reports.
Partner with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
Provide mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
Occasionally support launch and test campaigns outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends.
Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical. Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
10-15+ years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, specializing in motor-driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payload systems.
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.
A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with thermal analysis.
Experience interfacing with RF systems and associated EMI/EMC practices.
Experience with closed loop motor-encoder automation in lab or on-orbit.
Expertise in pointing, acquisition and tracking.
Experience with Agile development methodologies.
Familiarity with electronics assemblies, and harnessing.

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 $170,000 - $220,000 DOE.

Umbra

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