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.
Remote Sensing is where Umbra got its start, and our agile Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation remains the most capable on the market. We transform satellite data into real-world, actionable insights that strengthen U.S. national security and intelligence, support disaster response, and advance scientific discovery. Our team delivers data at scale with unmatched quality, persistence, and the speed and responsiveness our partners demand.
If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in remote sensing, you belong here at Umbra.
The Ground Software Systems Architect is responsible for defining, designing, integrating, validating, and delivering secure, mission-critical ground software systems supporting advanced space, ISR, and national security missions. This hands-on technical leadership role serves as the ground software systems architecture lead for a key customer program, translating complex mission requirements and operational challenges into scalable, resilient, and secure software and enterprise solutions across classified computing environments.
The ideal candidate brings a combination of deep technical expertise, systems-level thinking, and strong customer-facing leadership. They understand how space and ground systems integrate, have experience developing and deploying software in classified environments, and can navigate complex customer organizations while balancing technical objectives, program priorities, and stakeholder expectations.
Working closely with software, hardware, network, cybersecurity, mission engineering teams, and government stakeholders, this individual will lead technical strategy, architecture, integration, and execution throughout the program lifecycle. Success in this role requires someone who can take ownership of complex technical challenges, lead multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, and drive solutions from initial customer needs through operational deployment.
This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA, Arlington, VA, or Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office. If you are interested in working from the Santa Barbara office, high travel of 50%+ will be required for the first year.
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. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
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.
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.
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.
The Compensation Range for this role is $195,000 - $235,000 DOE.
Umbra is an American space technology company built to push the limits of what’s possible.
We’re redefining what can be done in and through space – expanding access, increasing persistence, and delivering a powerful information advantage to our customers. From the ground up in the U.S., we design, build, test, and operate advanced systems – from sensors to spacecraft – engineering novel solutions tailored to the missions that matter most.
Our agile Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation is the most capable system on the market — producing the highest-quality imaging data in any condition, at any time. Built for unmatched resilience, our system illuminates what others miss and empowers customers with persistent access, resilient performance, and proven results on orbit – not just on paper. Our commitment to First Principles engineering has fueled year-over-year growth since our market entry in 2021. And we are only just getting started.
Umbra’s ecosystem today includes:
- Remote Sensing = the data
- Space Systems = the hardware
- Mission Solutions = the platforms
Together, these capabilities make Umbra the most effective partner in the market – delivering the flexibility, performance, and resilience your mission demands. By continuously designing, building, and operating our own systems, we’re constantly refining our technology, our products, and our craft.
Our radar imagery is the direct result of our platform effectiveness – precision from orbit, powered by our integrated hardware and software. Because we’ve mastered the details, we can customize satellites quickly and reliably. Now, we’re offering others the same building blocks that more our missions possible.
We know space. And we’re continuing to redefine it.
