Staff Mechanical Engineer - Composites and Structures

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

Space Systems – The Components

 Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option.

 If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra.

About the Job

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated professional to become an integral part of our dynamic and multidisciplinary Space Systems engineering team as a Staff Mechanical Engineer. In this position, you will have the opportunity to contribute significantly to the design and development of innovative, next-generation space systems and mechanisms. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for designing, prototyping, building, and testing hardware, as well as demonstrable expertise in the area of composite structures specifically tailored for spacecraft applications.

This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyze spacecraft hardware and components, including:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive and refine requirements.
• Perform detailed design for structures and for deployable panels.
• Perform analysis for launch loads and on-orbit load cases.
• Build Finite Element Models to estimate on-orbit micro vibration propagation through the spacecraft.
• Evaluate and down select fabrication vendors.
• Work closely 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).
• Own the design through the full build and test lifecycle, including:
• Develop and execute work instructions, test plans, and test reports.
• Support complex secondary operations, such as solar cell laydown and string welding.
• Partner with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
• Vendor management and ensuring quality of received components.
• Develop and conduct Qualification campaigns.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 10-15+ years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, specializing in composite and structures design.
• Strong multidisciplinary understanding of composite fabrication and inspection.
• Experience with the structural analysis of honeycomb core structures.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing and assembling parts using various methods and standards.
• Proficiency in CAD software, with experience in 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, with the ability to independently research, diagnose, and clearly explain technical challenges and solutions.
• A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in building Finite Element Models for jitter prediction.
• Experience with Solar Arrays or other deployables.
• Demonstrated capability to resolve vendor quality issues.
• Expertise in conducting thermal analyses.
• Expertise in weight optimization and structural efficiency.
• Knowledge of failure modes and damage tolerance.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Familiarity with electronics assemblies, and harnessing.

• 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

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.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. 

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $170,000 - $220,000 DOE.