Senior Space Mission Architect & Systems Lead

Umbra; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

401k with company contribution

Stock Options

Free Parking

Free lunch daily

Job summary

Umbra in Reston/Arlington, VA, is seeking a Space Mission Systems Engineer to lead end-to-end mission development from concept to orbit. You will architect complex systems, guide multidisciplinary teams, and stay hands-on solving challenging engineering problems.

The role requires hands-on leadership across mission concepts, requirements, and verification, with travel to facilities and partners. A strong systems thinker and senior level expertise are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in systems architecture and design for satellite or aerospace systems.
• Proven leadership driving technical concepts from formulation through implementation and flight.
• Experience architecting space missions, spacecraft, payloads, and ground systems.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering processes across the full program lifecycle.
• Deep expertise in at least one spacecraft subsystem (Power, Communications, GN&C, ADCS).
• Experience with integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and on-orbit operations.
• Working knowledge of flight software, firmware, interfaces, and system integration.
• Excellent communication skills with government customers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizen).

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams from mission concept through flight design and launch readiness.
• Architect and formulate space missions, spacecraft, and ground systems; perform trade studies.
• Develop ConOps, system block diagrams, and mission-level requirements.
• Manage technical budgets, interfaces, margins, and program risk across the lifecycle.
• Develop and execute end-to-end system integration and test plans.
• Lead system verification and validation activities to meet mission requirements.
• Guide teams through milestone reviews, including SRR and CDR.
• Travel ~15% to Umbra facilities and partner sites.
• Perform additional professional duties as required.

Skills

Systems architecture

Leadership

Mission design

Systems engineering

Spacecraft subsystems

Flight software/firmware

Communication with stakeholders

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/CS or related

Advanced degree (MS/PhD)

Tools

STK

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Umbra in Reston/Arlington, VA, is seeking a Space Mission Systems Engineer to lead end-to-end mission development from concept to orbit. You will architect complex systems, guide multidisciplinary teams, and stay hands-on solving challenging engineering problems.

The role requires hands-on leadership across mission concepts, requirements, and verification, with travel to facilities and partners. A strong systems thinker and senior level expertise are essential.