Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

Umbra • Santa Barbara, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Umbra is an American space technology company developing systems from sensors to spacecraft. The Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer will join a multidisciplinary engineering team and help develop next-generation space systems and mechanisms. The role involves designing, prototyping, building, and testing hardware using first-principles engineering in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The position is on-site at one of Umbra’s office locations in Santa Barbara/Goleta, California; Arlington, Virginia; or Reston, Virginia.

The engineer will collaborate across teams to define requirements, develop concepts and prototypes, optimize designs for performance and manufacturability, prepare design and test documentation, and work with technicians and manufacturing engineers to resolve hardware issues. The role may occasionally require supporting launch and test campaigns outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5–8+ years of professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and/or manufacturing engineering.
• Strong multidisciplinary understanding of mechanisms and mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience manufacturing and assembling parts using various methods and standards.
• Proficiency in CAD software and experience with 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, including the ability to independently research and diagnose technical challenges and clearly explain challenges and solutions.

Nice To Haves

• 12+ years of professional experience in aerospace, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering.
• Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.
• In-depth knowledge of space launch requirements and processes.
• Experience working with RF devices, understanding of their basic principles, and familiarity with relevant analysis software.
• Familiarity with printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronics assemblies, and harnessing.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Arduino, or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test spacecraft hardware and mechanisms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and refine requirements.
• Develop initial design concepts and physical prototypes.
• Work with the Chief Engineer and Systems Architects to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
• Create detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• 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.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off.
• Sick, family, and medical leave.
• Employer-funded medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability (LTD), and short-term disability (STD) coverage.
• Employee-funded voluntary life, critical illness, accidental, hospital indemnity, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) with a 3% non-elective company contribution.
• Stock options.
• Free parking.
• Free lunch in the office daily.

What This Job Offers

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