Senior Space Mechanisms Engineer - Lead, Flight Hardware

Umbra Lab, Inc.; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401k with company contribution

Stock options

Free parking

Free lunch in office daily

Job summary

Umbra Lab, Inc. in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer to design and develop next‑generation space systems and mechanisms, focusing on rotating machinery for spacecraft power and payloads.

You will prototype, build, and test hardware in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate has deep hands-on mechanical expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for mission-critical reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 10–15+ years in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years developing motor-driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payloads.
• Leadership and ownership of spacecraft hardware through qualification.
• Strong understanding of mechanisms and mechanical systems.
• Hands-on manufacturing and assembly experience.
• CAD proficiency with ASME Y14.5 drafting.
• Proficiency in first principles analysis, incl. hand calculations and FEA.
• Excellent problem-solving and ability to explain technical challenges clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze spacecraft mechanisms and pointing systems.
• Lead technical reviews and root-cause investigations.
• Develop qualification campaigns and test plans.
• Create detailed design documentation and ICDs.
• Mentor mechanical engineers across the organization.
• Own the design through full build and test lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Chief Engineer and Systems Architects.
• Support launch and test campaigns outside regular hours.

Skills

Technical leadership

Spacecraft mechanisms

CAD design

FEA/analysis

First principles analysis

Manufacturing & assembly

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD software

ASME Y14.5 drafting

Job description

Umbra Lab, Inc. in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer to design and develop next‑generation space systems and mechanisms, focusing on rotating machinery for spacecraft power and payloads.

You will prototype, build, and test hardware in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate has deep hands-on mechanical expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for mission-critical reliability.