Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity.

Our mission : Deliver global omniscience.

To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create the solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet's most pressing needs. We're helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before.

We are looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to join the Space Systems Business Group, where you will provide leadership and guidance to both personnel and programs while managing Umbra's highly skilled Systems Engineering and Test teams. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Space Systems and involves overseeing a team responsible for designing, testing and supporting operations of cutting-edge satellite technology. As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software, and product-focused teams, as well as senior leadership, to drive the development of innovative technologies and support the professional growth of a talented group of engineers.

This position is located on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key responsibilities :

• Lead personnel and oversee programmatic initiatives for the Systems Engineering and Test teams within the Space Systems Business Group.
• Support the professional growth and career development of spacecraft systems engineers, test automation engineers and software test engineers, incorporating feedback from technical leadership.
• Drive innovation and implement process improvements to Umbra's Systems Engineering practices and Test Infrastructure to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work closely with project, product, and technical leads to understand project scope, ensuring team members execute tasks with high quality and efficiency.
• Manage team members in areas such as workload, task assignments, support, development, and conflict resolution.
• Hold regular one-on-one meetings with team members and conduct quarterly performance evaluations.
• Ensure the team adheres to legal, security, and company policy requirements.
• Represent the team's needs and capacity in technical meetings, collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure well-informed solutions.
• Work directly with the Operating Manager of Space Systems to coordinate and report on departmental efforts.
• Partner with various stakeholders for headcount planning and recruitment of new personnel.
• Apply agile methodologies to support sprint planning, track progress, and manage individual performance.
• Perform other professional duties as assigned.