Senior Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer

Company: Umbra
Location: Santa Barbara
Posted on: March 19, 2023

Job Description:

Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity.

Our mission: Deliver global omniscience.

To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create the solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet's most pressing needs. We're helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before.

We are looking for someone to join Umbra's Space Operations team as a Senior Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer to aid in the on-orbit commanding, controlling, and monitoring of our growing constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. As a satellite operations engineer, you will be tasked with maintaining the health and safety of our key on-orbit assets, conducting mission critical analysis, and providing valuable user feedback and guidance to our internal hardware and software development teams as well as end customers. This position offers a flexible work schedule with the ability to occasionally work from home. However, during periods of system testing, anomaly resolution or post-launch, it may be necessary to work off-hours shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain a constellation of on-orbit satellites
• Support the development and execution of mission plans and on-orbit CONOPS across the vehicle life cycle, including integration, launch, early operations checkouts, payload calibrations, orbital maneuvers, and other on-orbit activities
• Develop and improve automated workflows for day-to-day operations, analysis, anomaly resolution, conjunction assessment, orbital maintenance, and mission planning
• Support the product and engineering teams in spacecraft modeling, simulation, mission design, and systems engineering analyses for current and future development efforts
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, integrate, and test hardware and software to enable highly autonomous spacecraft tasking and operations
• Participate in rotational on-call shifts for anomaly response, conjunction avoidance, and customer-reported issues
• Ad hoc tasking of satellites to evaluate and test new modes of operation
• Monitor, evaluate and improve satellite imagery and other products
• Communicate with customers as needed regarding tasking or products Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related STEM field (such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, physics, or computer science)
  • Four or more years experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicles or robotics
  • Experience with on-orbit operations
  • Strong skills using a scripting language such as MATLAB or Python
  • Skills using mission design tools such as STK, GMAT or Free Flyer
  • Experience with at least one of the following: orbital mechanics, attitude control, LEO GNC systems, space systems engineering, spacecraft propulsion, flight software, rendezvous procedures
  • Excellent communications skills, ability and desire to work collaboratively in a team environment, and willingness to learn new skills and technology
  • Willing to support on-call shift assignments as needed and occasionally support odd hours near launches, such as overnights and/or weekends
  • Excited to share knowledge and experience across the engineering team
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment Desired Qualifications
    • Advanced degree in a relevant field
    • Six or more years experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicles or robotics
    • Experience managing a constellation of satellites
    • Experience utilizing cloud based software
    • Experience with orbital maneuver and/or rendezvous operations planning and execution
    • Understanding of SAR or other Earth observation techniques
    • Experience with version control software such as Git
    • Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance Benefits
      • Flexible Vacation / Paid Sick Time/ Family Leave
      • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life
      • 401(k) Plan with 3% non-elective employer contribution
      • Stock Options
        
        Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
        
        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 span more than one career level. To provide greater transparency to candidates, we share base ranges for all job postings regardless of state. We set standard base pay ranges for all roles based on function and level benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. Final offer amounts are determined by skills, responsibilities and relevant work experience.

Keywords: Umbra, Santa Barbara , Senior Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer, Other , Santa Barbara, California