Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer

About The Team

Space Systems - The Components
The Space Systems team at Umbra develops, implements, and iterates mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. They design, build, and test an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware, and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Their focus is on first principles engineering, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option.

About The Job

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 Senior/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.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyze spacecraft mechanisms, including:
• Serve as the technical lead for spacecraft mechanisms and pointing systems, driving architecture decisions, technical trades, and risk reduction activities.
• 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.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to mechanical engineers across the organization.
• Create detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Own the design through the full build and test lifecycle, including:
• Lead technical reviews, root-cause investigations, and resolution of complex hardware issues.
• 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.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical. Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 10-15+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years of experience developing motor-driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payload systems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and ownership of spacecraft hardware through qualification and delivery.
• 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.

• 18+ years of professional experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with 10+ years of experience developing motor-driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payload systems.
• A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.
• Experience serving as the technical lead or responsible engineer for complex hardware development programs.
• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.
• 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.
• Experience with pointing, acquisition and tracking.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Familiarity with electronics assemblies and harnessing.

Benefits

• 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.

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.

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

The Compensation Range for this role is $180,000 - $220,000 DOE.