Space Mission Systems Engineer
US$200,000 – US$230,000 / yr base salary
Posted 23 Mar 2026
Advertised as “Staff Space Mission Systems Engineer”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 15+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Full-time
| Base salary | US$200,000 – US$230,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyComputer Science, Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
Field of studyComputer Science, Engineering (or related)
Study levelMaster's or higher
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
Mission Solutions – The Platforms
Mission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.
If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra.
About the Job
Umbra’s Mission Solutions Group is seeking an experienced and highly capable Space Mission Systems Engineer to drive end-to-end mission development, from early concept and architecture through launch and early operations. This role is designed for a mission-driven technical leader with deep space mission design experience who can architect complex systems, influence multidisciplinary teams, and remain hands-on in solving challenging engineering problems.
This individual will serve as a technical lead and mission architect, owning the technical vision across the full lifecycle. On the left side of the V, they will help define mission concepts, requirements, and system architecture. On the right side of the V, they will guide execution, ensuring system integrity and supporting integration, test, launch, and early operations alongside program and engineering leadership.
This position requires a strong systems thinker who can lead the design and development of spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, and the overall mission architecture. The ideal candidate is both a strategic technical leader and a hands-on engineer, equally comfortable setting direction, making critical trade decisions, and rolling up their sleeves to solve complex problems. Clear communication, cross-functional leadership, and ownership from concept to orbit are essential.
This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA or Arlington, VA office.