Engineering Manager, Mission Operations

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

Remote Sensing – The Data
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. 
About the Job

We are seeking a Mission Operations Engineering Manager to lead and grow our spacecraft operations team responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our satellite constellation. This role is critical to ensuring mission success, scaling our operational capabilities, and mentoring the next generation of operations engineers.

This position offers a flexible work schedule, however during periods of system testing, anomaly resolution, or post-launch, it may be necessary to work off-hours shifts.

This position is based on-site in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office, Arlington, VA office, or Reston, VA office (coming soon).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and support the Spacecraft Operations team within Mission Operations.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
• Conduct performance reviews and guide career development.
• Set and track clear objectives for individual and team development.
• Work closely with the Director of Mission Operations and broader Mission Operations team to develop strategic initiatives, provide regular reporting on team performance and project status, and contribute to organizational planning and decision-making.
• Collaborate with Ground and Space engineering teams for ongoing support to the active on-orbit constellation and to ensure team readiness for on-boarding new spacecraft.
• Provide leadership during critical mission phases (launch, early orbit, anomaly resolution) and ensure operational best practices are followed.
• Manage operational team risks and ensure business continuity planning for mission-critical activities.
• Identify process bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and work towards continuous improvement in team processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related STEM field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in satellite mission operations, including launch, early orbit, and routine operations.
• 2+ years of functional personnel management experience, leading engineering or operations teams.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of ground systems, command and telemetry flows, and spacecraft subsystems.
• Demonstrated experience in anomaly resolution and contingency operations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing a team across multiple geographic sites.
• Experience with constellation-scale operations and automation.
• Experience with cloud-based ground systems and modern mission operations platforms.
• Experience collaborating with software engineering teams to develop tools for operations automation.
• Has a passion for nurturing talent and promoting professional growth.
• Demonstrates a collaborative and approachable leadership style.
• Shows adaptability and openness to change in a dynamic work environment.
• Possesses strong analytical thinking and decision-making abilities, with comfort in metrics-driven decision making.
• Exhibits a results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality solutions.
• Exhibits strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with other departments and managers.

• 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 daily in office

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 $165,000 - $195,000 DOE.