Spacecraft Electrical Engineer

Umbra • Reston, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. About the Team Mission Solutions – The Platforms 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, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job We are on the lookout for an Electrical Engineer with a experience in space systems, covering all facets of spacecraft requirements, design, and testing, to join Umbra’s Mission Solutions business unit. This is an exceptional opportunity that offers you both ownership and oversight of cutting-edge spacecraft products, tailored to support a diverse range of Mission Solutions customer missions. Our ideal candidate will seamlessly integrate classic spacecraft design principles with the agility of commercial practices, driving innovative capabilities and delivering remarkable results. We believe that a robust focus on practical systems engineering processes is vital; it's all about rolling up your sleeves and getting into the nitty-gritty, not just staying in the realm of theory. We’re on the lookout for candidates who are excited to explore technical details and adjust workflows as necessary. A key aspect of this role is the ability to mentor and uplift junior engineers, making a meaningful impact on their technical journey. Collaborating closely with Mission Solutions leadership is also an essential part of the job. The perfect candidate will be a solution-oriented problem solver, an outstanding communicator, and possess a strong systems-thinking mindset that fosters innovation in spacecraft development. This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA office. This opportunity is contingent upon award of a federal government contract.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 3-5+ years of experience in spacecraft engineering, including communication, signal processing, power, RF, and/or control systems.
• Familiarity with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic and spectrum analyzers, thermal chambers, and current probes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• 8-10+ years of experience in spacecraft engineering, including communication, signal processing, power, RF, and/or control systems.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
• Familiarity with communication protocols such as SPI, RS-422 and RS-485.
• Knowledge of DCDC switcher design and implementation.
• Excellent communications skills, ability and desire to work collaboratively in a team environment, and willingness to guide more junior engineers as needed.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance, read-in within the past two years.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to every stage of flight electronics design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing as a vital senior member of our Mission Solutions Engineering team.
• Lead individual subsystem design and project efforts while coordinating with relevant cross-functional stakeholders.
• Perform electrical design, including schematic, parts selection and layout, for spacecraft electronics subsystems (e.g. avionics, solar arrays, batteries, payloads, subsystems and harnessing).
• Perform analysis to demonstrate performance, survivability and optimization of electrical designs.
• Perform early design studies to support Mission Solutions pursuits and captures
• Provide guidance to junior level engineers as needed.
• 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: Senior