Staff Mechanical Engineer - Composites and Structures
Base pay range
$170,000.00 / yr - $220,000.00 / yr
Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with access to critical information from space. Umbra's mission is to redefine space for people, systems, and missions in every domain. The Space Systems - The Components team designs, builds, and tests a range of hardware and subsystems to support a flight-ready satellite constellation.
About The Job
We are looking for a highly skilled Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our Space Systems engineering team. The ideal candidate will design, prototype, build, and test hardware with deep expertise in composite structures tailored for spacecraft applications. This position is on-site in Santa Barbara, CA.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and analyze spacecraft hardware and components, including : collaborate with cross-functional teams to derive and refine requirements; perform detailed design for structures and deployable panels; perform analysis for launch loads and on-orbit load cases; build Finite Element Models to estimate on-orbit micro vibration propagation; evaluate and down select fabrication vendors.
- Work closely with the Chief Engineer and Systems Architects to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.
- Create detailed design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
- Own the design through the full build and test lifecycle : develop and execute work instructions, test plans, and test reports; support complex secondary operations (e.g., solar cell laydown and string welding); partner with technicians and manufacturing engineers to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues; vendor management and ensuring quality of received components; develop and conduct qualification campaigns.
- Provide mechanical engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.
- Occasionally support launch and test campaigns outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Perform other duties as required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.10-15+ years of professional experience in mechanical engineering, with specialization in composite and structures design.Strong multidisciplinary understanding of composite fabrication and inspection.Experience with the structural analysis of honeycomb core structures.Hands-on experience in manufacturing and assembling parts using various methods and standards.Proficiency in CAD software, with design and drafting to ASME Y14.5 standards.Expertise in first principles analysis, including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to independently research, diagnose, and explain technical challenges and solutions.A strong desire to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.Preferred / Desirable Qualifications
Experience in building Finite Element Models for jitter prediction.Experience with Solar Arrays or other deployables.Capability to resolve vendor quality issues.Thermal analysis expertise; weight optimization and structural efficiency experience.Knowledge of failure modes and damage tolerance.Experience with Agile development methodologies.Familiarity with electronics assemblies and harnessing.Benefits
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 contributionStock OptionsFree ParkingFree lunch in office dailyLegal and Compliance
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 must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.
ITAR / EAR Requirements : This position may include access to technology and / or data subject to U.S. export controls. 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, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations.
Location and Job Details
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Employment type : Full-time
Seniority level : Mid-Senior level
Job function : Engineering
Industries : Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Compensation Range : $170,000 - $220,000 DOE
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