Umbra

Spacecraft Systems Engineering Intern

Umbra  •  $25/hr  •  Santa Barbara, CA (Onsite)  •  3 hours ago
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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

As a Systems Engineering Intern, you'll work alongside our talented Systems Engineering team to help shape the next generation of Umbra spacecraft. You'll gain hands-on experience contributing to the development of cutting-edge space systems, supporting projects from concept through execution. Your attention to detail, organization, and willingness to learn will play an important role in helping deliver high-quality solutions that advance our mission.

This is a full- or part-time Intern position for this summer (2026) based in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the Systems Engineering team across a variety of tasks including requirements management, verification and validation, and completion of spacecraft end-item data packages.
  • Assist with the organization of new and existing critical technical baselines.
  • Support design and release documentation efforts as needed.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Must be currently enrolled and progressing towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field, with at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Practical experience designing, building, and testing engineering systems.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • A positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a proactive approach to tasks.

Desired Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with and understanding of LEO space systems, subsystems, and the associated space environment.
  • Familiarity with requirements management.
  • Proven ability to apply engineering judgment for spacecraft analysis and decision making.
  • Familiarity with systems engineering processes and program lifecycle.
  • Experience writing test plans.

Benefits

  • Free parking
  • Free lunch and snacks 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 $25/hr to $35/hr.

Umbra

About Umbra

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.

Industry
Aviation & Aerospace
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Arlington, Virginia
Year Founded
2015
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