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 Job
We are seeking a Senior Planner/Buyer to support material planning and procurement activities for production and development programs. This is a newly established role created to strengthen execution, improve consistency, and support continued growth across the organization.
This role is intended for the planning professional who understands how disciplined supply chain functions operate and is comfortable working in an environment where foundational systems are in place and processes continue to mature. The focus of the role is dependable execution, material availability, and schedule alignment in support of manufacturing and program objectives.
The Senior Planner/ Buyer will work closely with supply chain leadership and cross functional partners across Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and Programs. The position works in close alignment with cross-functional stakeholders to help establish and continuously refine priorities, planning, and procurement processes as the organization scales.
This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office
Key Responsibilities
- Execute material planning and purchasing activities aligned with MRP demand, production schedules, and program requirements.
- Place, manage, and maintain purchase orders to support on time production and deliverables.
- Monitor material availability, shortages, and constraints; assess impact and communicate status and mitigation plans.
- Maintain accurate planning data including lead times, order quantities, supplier commitments, and system parameters.
- Manage routine supplier communication related to pricing, lead times, delivery performance, and order status.
- Coordinate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and Program teams to support material readiness.
- Participate in production, material readiness, and shortage review meetings.
- Support engineering changes, revisions and configuration updates from a planning and sourcing perspective.
- Maintain clear documentation, trackers, and material visibility to support decision - making.
- Contribute to the continued refinement and standardization of planning and buying processes.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline; or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years of experience in material planning and/or buying within a manufacturing environment.
- Operational knowledge of MRP- driven planning, sourcing and production support.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and control.
- Strong analytical and organization skills with a structured, professional communication style.
Desired Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in material planning and/or buying within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other complex or regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting both production and development programs.
- Professional supply chain certification such as APICS, CPIM, CSCP or equivalent industry- recognized credentials.
- 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 $115,000 - $135,000 DOE.
