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
We are seeking a Senior/Staff Flight Software Engineer to support Umbra’s Mission Solutions business unit in developing requirements, designing software architecture, writing code, and overseeing system integration and testing. You will also provide expert guidance in software design, code development, peer reviews, documentation, and integration with flight hardware, including unit testing. This is a unique opportunity to design and implement new features and capabilities that enhance Umbra’s existing software baseline, tailored to meet specialized Mission Solutions program needs. The ideal candidate is a solution-driven problem solver, an exceptional communicator, and possesses a strong systems-thinking mindset to drive innovation in spacecraft software development.
This position is based on-site in either our Reston, VA office or Arlington, VA office.
Key Responsibilities
• Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to design, develop, and maintain reliable, fault-tolerant flight and payload software.
• Architect and implement software solutions to meet high-level system requirements while managing interfaces with multiple spacecraft subsystems and ground systems hardware.
• Create and maintain documentation for software operation and interfaces with other system components.
• Develop & test command and control software for spacecraft flight operations and payload electronics.
• Participate in and contribute to test campaigns, from unit-level testing to automated system and subsystem-level testing.
• Present high level technical concepts simply and clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Take on additional professional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of professional experience developing high-reliability software systems.
• 5+ years of experience developing concurrent and asynchronous software.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Demonstrated experience leading software development and execution for a satellite bus or spacecraft platform.
• Experience across the full software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, integration, debugging, testing, and maintenance.
• Strong embedded software development experience using Rust and/or C/C++.
• Experience developing software for SoC-based architectures in Linux environments.
• Working knowledge of Ethernet networking, TCP/IP, and IPsec.
• Experience implementing cybersecurity requirements and integrating NSA-approved cryptographic systems or solutions.
• Ability to travel 10-20% of the time.
Desired Qualifications
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of professional experience developing high-reliability software systems.
• Strong understanding of processor architectures and experience optimizing software for performance, memory usage, and resource-constrained environments.
• Experience developing embedded software on ARM-based processors in Linux, RTOS, and/or bare-metal environments.
• Experience with hardware interfaces and communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, and PCIe.
• Experience developing software for autonomous, fault-tolerant, or mission-critical systems.
• Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining reusable software platforms or product lines.
• Experience with space system development across spacecraft and ground segments.
• Familiarity with Python for development, testing, automation, or tooling.