Senior Ground Software Engineer

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

Our mission is to 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.

Are you in?

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support Umbra’s Mission Solutions business unit in developing back-end services to support the ground segment of Umbra’s space architecture. You will develop requirements, design software architecture, write code, and test services across the ground architecture, including command, control, communications, and scheduling. 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.

Our aim is to hire this position to work in Umbra's Arlington, VA, or Santa Barbara, CA (moving to Goleta, CA in June 2025) office.  However, we are open to considering Hybrid applicants located in the VA/DC/MD area.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, test, and maintain applications that run our satellites and tackle a variety of problems, including automating spacecraft operations, mission scheduling, command and telemetry pipeline, mission data pipeline, and anomaly response.
• Architect and implement software solutions to meet high-level system requirements while managing interfaces with other components of the system.
• Provide key software architecture expertise to cross-functional engineering teams.
• Help establish and adhere to DevOps practices that ensure that customer and satellite-operational needs are met with quality and performance.
• Take on other professional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• 5 - 7 years of professional experience developing highly available web services with server-side scripting languages, preferably Python.
• Experience building software to automate space operations.
• Demonstrated foundational understanding of software architecture, event-driven microservices, interface design, and automated testing patterns.
• 2+ years of professional experience developing automated build and test pipelines in a CI/CD lifecycle.
• Experience with database-backed applications and relational database concepts, preferably Postgres.
• Solid understanding of cloud and application security, access control, and identity management.
• Good communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and willingness to learn new skills and technology.
• Experience developing Kubernetes/Docker containerized services.
• Current security clearance or willingness and ability to acquire one.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.

Desired Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure monitoring principles, best practices, and implementation.
• Experience designing and documenting commercial APIs with Swagger/OpenAPI.
• Experience working within an R&D environment, including prototyping and systems engineering.

• 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 in office daily

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 $160,000 - $185,000.