Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Umbra • Santa Barbara, CA

6h • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced Manufacturing 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 Manufacturing Engineering and Aerospace Technician teams. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Space Systems and involves overseeing a team responsible for design, test and implementation 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 and technicians.
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 and/or technician personnel management.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in hardware manufacturing.
• 3+ years of experience supporting or overseeing a production manufacturing line.
• 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 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 in hardware manufacturing.
• 5+ years of experience with supporting or overseeing a production manufacturing line.
• Experience leading technical teams through the complete aerospace AI&T lifecycle.
• 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 Manufacturing Engineering and Aerospace Technician teams within the Space Systems Business Group.
• Support the professional growth and career development of manufacturing engineers and aerospace technicians, incorporating feedback from technical leadership.
• Maintain strong ownership of the team's performance and professional conduct, ensuring individuals execute tasks with high quality, professionalism, and a sense of urgency.
• Drive innovation and implement process improvements to Umbra's manufacturing, integration and test practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• 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.
• Work directly with the Operating Manager of Space Systems, Director of Manufacturing and the Chief Engineer to coordinate, plan, 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
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees