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Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer Verified today

Umbra · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-12
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About Umbra

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. We operate through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).

About the Team

Remote Sensing is where Umbra got its start. Our agile Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation remains the most capable on the market. The Mission Operations team is a small, tight-knit group with dynamic responsibilities. We take ownership over our projects and value team players who solve problems collaboratively and execute critical tasks on orbit.

The Role

You will become an integral part of our Mission Operations team, playing a crucial role in the on-orbit commanding, controlling, monitoring, and tasking of our expanding SAR satellite constellation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Monitor, operate, and maintain a constellation of on-orbit satellites.
  • Support the development and execution of mission plans and on-orbit CONOPS across the vehicle life cycle, including integration, launch, early operations checkouts, payload calibrations, orbital maneuvers, and other on-orbit activities.
  • Respond to on-orbit anomalies, perform anomaly investigation and root cause analysis, and execute resolution activities.
  • Develop and improve automated workflows for day-to-day operations, analysis, anomaly resolution, conjunction assessment, orbital maintenance, and mission planning.
  • Support tasking operation and optimization, analyze overall system utilization and facilitate unique customer requests as needed.
  • Support other teams in spacecraft modeling, simulation, mission design, and systems engineering analyses for current and future development efforts.
  • Define and complete high-level tasks with limited oversight from management.
  • Ad hoc tasking of satellites to evaluate and test new modes of operation.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and improve satellite imagery and other products.
  • Support off-hour operations (weekends and/or nights) independently, while maintaining strong communication with the overall team.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems engineering, physics, computer science, or a related STEM field.
  • 1-3+ years of experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicles, or robotics.
  • Experience with on-orbit operations.
  • Comfortable with a scripting language such as MATLAB or Python.
  • Comfortable with orbit analysis or mission design tools such as STK, GMAT, or Free Flyer.
  • Comfortable with version control software such as Git.
  • Familiarity with at least one of the following: orbital mechanics, attitude control, LEO GNC systems, space systems engineering, spacecraft propulsion, flight software, or rendezvous procedures.
  • Excellent communications skills, ability and desire to work collaboratively in a team environment, and willingness to learn new skills and technology.
  • Willing to support, as needed, on-call shift assignments and odd hours, such as overnights and/or weekends.

Desired Qualifications

  • Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
  • Comfortable working on high-level tasks independently.
  • Experience working with radar or remote sensing satellites.
  • Familiarity with mission operations software, ground control systems, or command scripting.
  • Exposure to low Earth orbit (LEO) mission dynamics and constraints.

Compensation and Location

This position is based on-site in our Arlington, VA office. The compensation range for this role is $90,000 - $120,000 depending on experience.

Benefits

  • Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
  • Voluntary Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance
  • 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
  • Stock Options
  • Free Parking
  • Free lunch daily in office

Export Control Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. 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.