Senior Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer

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 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’re looking for a Senior Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer to join our fast-paced Mission Operations team. You'll play a pivotal role in the operation of Umbra’s growing constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. You’ll not only support real-time operations and anomaly resolution, but also help define and evolve our mission operations architecture, processes, and culture. This position offers the opportunity to lead, innovate, and shape how Umbra manages a high-performance, high-availability satellite constellation.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in Umbra's Santa Barbara, CA or Arlington, VA office.

This position offers a flexible work schedule, however during periods of system testing, anomaly resolution, or post-launch, it may be necessary to work off-hours shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Help lead execution of daily spacecraft operations, including planning, commanding, monitoring, and anomaly response, in collaboration with the Director of Mission Operations.
• Mentor and guide junior team members; foster a culture of operational excellence and accountability.
• Define and improve mission operations processes, procedures, and best practices for on-orbit activity.
• Develop and execute workflows for managing and resolving on-orbit anomalies, leveraging industry best practices.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, flight software, ground systems, and product teams to evolve operational capability.
• Support planning and integration of new spacecraft into the constellation.
• Drive automation and tool development to improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Support cross-Business Unit efforts related to Mission Operations activities, such as providing proposal inputs, design reviews, and general engineering collaboration.
• Support customer-facing engagements as needed to provide mission assurance context, operational status, or insight into constellation performance.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related STEM field (such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, physics, or computer science).
• 5+ years of experience in on-orbit satellite operations, preferably for LEO constellations or SAR missions.
• Proven track record of leadership, whether through team management, technical direction, or mentorship
• Deep understanding of spacecraft subsystems (e.g., ADCS, power, comms, thermal, payload.)
• Experience establishing and maintaining on-orbit operations procedures and anomaly resolution protocols.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; able to work cross-functionally and in high-stakes environments.
• Willing to support, as needed, on-call shift assignments and odd hours near launches, such as overnights and/or weekends.
• Passion for innovation in space systems and operational architecture.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with cloud-based ground systems and modern mission operations platforms
• Prior people management experience, including hiring, performance feedback, and team growth
• Familiarity with the unique operational demands of radar or remote sensing spacecraft

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 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.

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