Engineering Manager

Umbra • Santa Barbara, CA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to join the Space Systems Business Group, where you will provide leadership and guidance to both personnel and programs while managing Umbra's highly skilled Systems Engineering and GNC teams. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Space Systems and involves overseeing a team responsible for designing, testing and supporting operations of cutting-edge satellite technology. As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software, and product-focused teams, as well as senior leadership, to drive the development of innovative technologies and support the professional growth of a talented group of engineers.
This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related STEM field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related technical field, including at least 5 years of direct engineering personnel management.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in systems engineering and space vehicle development.
• 3+ years of experience supporting or overseeing space vehicle GNC systems and related architecture.
• Demonstrated experience leading functional engineering teams, including hiring, performance management, career development, succession planning, workload allocation, and accountability for technical quality and schedule performance.
• Proficiency in traditional project management practices, including critical path analysis, resource planning, and schedule management tools (e.g., MS Project).
• Working knowledge of Agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe) and associated tooling (e.g., Jira).
• Proven ability to build, mentor, and sustain high-performing engineering teams in complex technical environments.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical and executive stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Engineering or a related STEM field.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience within space vehicle or spacecraft programs.
• 5+ years of experience with spacecraft GNC systems at the subsystem or vehicle level.
• Experience leading engineering teams through full lifecycle programs, from concept development through integration, test, and launch.
• Demonstrated ability to apply both traditional and Agile management frameworks in aerospace program execution.
• Experience operating in a fast-paced, development-driven or startup aerospace environment.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CAPM, CSM, or equivalent are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead personnel and oversee programmatic initiatives for the Systems Engineering and GNC teams within the Space Systems Business Group.
• Support the professional growth and career development of spacecraft systems engineers and GNC engineers, incorporating feedback from technical leadership.
• Drive innovation and implement process improvements to Umbra's systems engineering and space vehicle design practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work closely with project, product, and technical leads to understand project scope, ensuring team members execute tasks with high quality and efficiency.
• Manage team members in areas such as workload, task assignments, support, development, and conflict resolution.
• Hold regular one-on-one meetings with team members and conduct quarterly performance evaluations.
• Partner with various stakeholders to execute headcount planning, recruitment, onboarding and training of new personnel.
• Represent the team's needs and capacity in technical meetings, collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure well-informed solutions.
• Work directly with the Operating Manager of Space Systems to coordinate and report on departmental efforts.
• Apply agile methodologies to support sprint planning, track progress, and manage individual performance.
• Ensure the team adheres to legal, security, and company policy requirements.
• Perform other professional duties as assigned.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager