Lead Spacecraft GNC Engineer
Umbra

Job Info

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

Our mission: Illuminate the world.

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 is built around the idea that by providing easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, we can become an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers with the ability 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. To make our vision a reality, we're gonna need some help.

Are you in?

Umbra is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer to lead the analysis, planning and control for our growing constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve as the company's subject matter expert expert in GNC, responsible for driving Umbra's internal competency and capability in subsystem analysis, design, procurement, integration, test and operations. Working with a small team in a fast-paced environment, the lead Spacecraft GNC engineer is responsible for conducting mission-critical CONOPS planning and performance analysis, providing guidance to Umbra's internal hardware and software development teams, as well as working with our external partners in the analysis, manufacturing and test of our current generation of spacecraft.

This position offers the opportunity see all facets of the engineering process, from design to analysis to test to flight operations. This position offers a flexible work schedule with the ability to occasionally work from home and will require off-hour shifts as needed surrounding test, launch and operations events. The ideal candidate is an innate problem solver who enjoys taking ownership of complex tasks and coming up with innovative solutions in a test-centric environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a new GNC subsystem design for Umbra's next generation spacecraft
• Perform trade studies and analyses to ensure the newly-designed system will meet critical space systems requirements, while maintaining a competitive cost position
• Oversee procurement, integration and test for the end to end subsystem
• Lead the development of thorough yet efficient on-orbit calibration and checkout procedures
• Support on-orbit anomaly investigation
• Serve as primary interface to Umbra's key partners and subcontractors who provide hardware, software and analysis products and services
• Work closely with Space Ops, Flight Software, Ground Software and Systems Engineering teams to provide subject matter expert guidance and direction on GNC related software and hardware efforts
• Provide input to modeling and simulation efforts as it relates to Umbra spacecraft 6-DOF and LOS control.
• Support the development and execution of mission plans and on-orbit CONOPS across the vehicle life cycle, including planning, integration, early operations checkouts, payload calibrations, orbital maneuvers, and other on-orbit activities
• Contribute to the development of automated workflows for day-to-day operations, analysis, anomaly resolution, conjunction assessment, orbital maintenance, and mission planning
• Support the Product, Space Systems and Government Programs departments in spacecraft modeling, simulation, mission design, and systems engineering analyses

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related STEM field (such as aerospace, control systems, physics, or computer science)
• At least 10 years experience working on spacecraft, robotics or control systems
• Expertise with at least one of the following: orbital mechanics, attitude control, LEO GNC systems, space systems engineering
• A demonstrated ability to lead a team and organization in the development of new capabilities
• Excellent communications skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and willingness to learn new skills and technology
• Willing to occasionally support odd hours, such as overnights and/or weekends
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
• Proficient with:
  • A scripting language such as MATLAB or Python
  • STK, GMAT, and/or other orbit analysis or mission design tools

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field
• At least 15 years experience working on spacecraft, robotics or control systems
• Experience with on-orbit operations
• Experience in GNC controller design
• Experience utilizing cloud based software
• Understanding of SAR or other Earth observation techniques
• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off & Sick
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401(k)
• Stock Options

In-Office Perks

• Standing desks
• Downtown HQ with Free Snacks & Drinks
• Free Parking
• Catered lunches

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

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.

This job has expired.