Senior Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems – Leading Mechanisms

Umbra; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD,STD

Stock Options

Free Parking

Free lunch in office daily

Job summary

Umbra is seeking an experienced Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer to join the Space Systems team. The role focuses on designing and prototyping next‑gen spacecraft mechanisms, motors, gears, and pointing systems, with a bias toward rotating machinery and hardware qualification.

On‑site work bases are in Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA, Arlington, VA, or Reston, VA. You will lead critical reviews, own the full build and test cycle, and mentor other engineers while collaborating with systems architects to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years building motor-driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payloads.
• Demonstrated leadership and ownership of spacecraft hardware through qualification and delivery.
• Strong multidisciplinary understanding of mechanisms and mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of spacecraft mechanisms and pointing systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive requirements and trades.
• Create motorization budgets and select components like encoders and cabling.
• Develop and verify design documentation and ICDs; own the build and test lifecycle.
• Mentor engineers and support cross-team mechanical engineering needs.

Skills

Leadership

CAD design

FEA

First principles analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ASME Y14.5 standards

ICD/documentation tooling

Job description

Umbra is seeking an experienced Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer to join the Space Systems team. The role focuses on designing and prototyping next‑gen spacecraft mechanisms, motors, gears, and pointing systems, with a bias toward rotating machinery and hardware qualification.

On‑site work bases are in Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA, Arlington, VA, or Reston, VA. You will lead critical reviews, own the full build and test cycle, and mentor other engineers while collaborating with systems architects to