Senior Space Systems Mechanisms Engineer

Umbra; California (MO); 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

401k with company contribution

Free Parking

Free Lunch in office

Job summary

Umbra is seeking a highly skilled Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our Space Systems team in Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA. You will design, prototype, build, and test hardware for next-generation spacecraft mechanisms and rotating machinery, leading architecture decisions and risk reduction efforts.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, first principles analysis, and collaboration with systems engineers to deliver flight-proven mechanisms for our SAR constellation and space platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical/aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years creating motor-driven mechanisms for spacecraft power or payload systems.
• Leadership and ownership of spacecraft hardware through qualification and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of spacecraft mechanisms and pointing systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive and refine requirements.
• Create motorization budgets and select components (encoders, cables).
• Design for launch loads, stow/release, and pointing performance.
• Own full build and test lifecycle; lead reviews and qualifications.
• Develop and execute test plans, and verify thermal and disturbance performance.
• Provide guidance to engineers and create ICDs and design docs.
• Support launch/test campaigns and resolve hardware issues.

Skills

Mechanical design

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Root-cause analysis

Hands-on prototyping

Thermal analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CAD software

ASME Y14.5

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Job description

Umbra is seeking a highly skilled Senior/Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our Space Systems team in Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA. You will design, prototype, build, and test hardware for next-generation spacecraft mechanisms and rotating machinery, leading architecture decisions and risk reduction efforts.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, first principles analysis, and collaboration with systems engineers to deliver flight-proven mechanisms for our SAR constellation and space platforms.