Staff Space Mission Systems Engineer

About the Team

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, the team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.

About the Role

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 technical lead will own the technical vision across the full lifecycle, defining mission concepts, requirements, and system architecture on the left side of the V, and guiding execution, integration, test, launch, and early operations on the right side of the V. The position is based on‑site in Reston, VA or Arlington, VA.

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.

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 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.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Voluntary 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

Compensation

The compensation range for this role is $200,000 – $230,000 DOE.