Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer

Company: Umbra
Location: Santa Barbara
Posted on: January 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description 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 Team Space Systems – The Components Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option. If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job We are looking for a Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and sustainment of Umbra’s space vehicle and payload production lines. This position will work within Engineering in support of the Umbra SAR constellation expansion. This Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for manufacturing compliance to processes and procedures used during production. They will aid in the development and support of manufacturing processes while working directly with and leading manufacturing personnel to resolve process issues real time. They will develop, implement, and continuously improve spacecrafts and payload, assembly, and integration manufacturing processes through strong working knowledge of engineering, manufacturing, machining, assembly, integration, tooling, test, and quality assurance techniques. This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office. Key Responsibilities: Develop production procedures and processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented to allow repeatable and reliable manufacturing. Provide engineering support for day-to-day production and quality processes. Perform training of production personnel and leadership on new and existing processes and procedures. Support establishment, communication, and execution of production plan, schedule and budgets. Contribute to design reviews, acting as an expert in design for manufacture and test. Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions. Resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances. Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures. Requirements Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing discipline. 5 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or a related industry. Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment. Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision in a timely manner. System test, electronics and software trouble shooting skills. Strong technical documentation and writing skills. Supply chain and contract management oversight (technical interface to strategic suppliers). Desired Qualifications 10 years of aerospace manufacturing experience. Experience with assembly of satellite systems, components, particularly deployable space systems, moving mechanical assemblies and mesh antennas. Experience with flight hardware quality control, mission assurance and qualification process. Manufacturing safety, product safety, and other compliance related items. Experience with SolidWorks or PTC Creo. Experience leading aerospace technicians through a complex production process. Working proficiency with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies and Fault Tree Analysis. Benefits 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 $130,000 - $150,000 DOE.

Keywords: Umbra, Alhambra , Spacecraft Manufacturing Engineer, Engineering , Santa Barbara, California