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 remote sensing, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
Umbra is seeking an Engineering Manager for Mission Solutions to lead the systems department. This individual will report to the Director of Engineering and oversee personnel who design, build, test, and operate advanced satellite technology.As Engineering Manager, you will collaborate with systems, hardware, and software teams, along with senior staff, to drive new technology development and nurture a talented group of engineers.
This position is based on-site in our Arlington, VA office.
Key Responsibilities
- Functional management of technical staff includes:
- Coordinating and reporting on departmental efforts.
- Conducting regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews.
- Guiding the professional development and career planning of mission solutions engineers, incorporating input from technical leadership.
- Managing workload, assignments, support, development, and conflict resolution for team members.
- Ensuring compliance with legal regulations, security standards, and company policies.
- Identifying opportunities for process improvements and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Program staffing forecasts and recruiting
- Collaborate with stakeholders on headcount planning and hiring.
- Work closely with project, product, and technical leads to understand the scope of work, ensuring high-quality and efficient execution.
- Represent your team's needs and capacity in technical meetings, collaborating with architects to develop informed solutions.
- Use agile practices to support sprint planning, track progress, and manage individual performance.
- Develop resource basis of estimates for proposals and department growth
- Contribute and review proposal submissions for accuracy in technical content,
- Other professional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in personnel management.
- 3+ years of experience in project management.
- 3+ years of experience and/or direct exposure to systems and hardware engineering.
- Experience with traditional project management practices and tools, such as critical path analysis, resource loading and MS Project.
- Experience with agile project management practices and tools, such as scrum, SAFe and Jira.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and support a team of engineers.
- Excellent communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic environment.
Desired Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in personnel management.
- 5+ years of experience in project management.
- 5+ years of experience and/or direct exposure to systems hardware engineering.
- Demonstrated expertise in applying Jira to hardware engineering.
- Degree in engineering or a related STEM field.
- Certifications in PMP (Project Management Professional), CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management), and/or CSM (Certified Scrum Master).
- 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 $160,000 - $200,000 DOE.
