Job Description

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 on the lookout for an experienced and driven Senior RF Systems Engineer to spearhead the design, development, and analysis of cutting-edge space-based RF systems, encompassing both active and passive architectures. In this pivotal position, you will play an essential role in supporting Umbra Mission Solutions as we embark on exciting programs and capture initiatives. Collaborating across diverse teams, you'll have the opportunity to envision, define, implement, and validate high-performance RF systems. This is not just any role; it offers you the chance to take ownership and oversight of groundbreaking spacecraft products that will cater to various customer mission sets within Mission Solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of active (e.g., transmitters, amplifiers, phased arrays) and passive (e.g., antennas, filters, waveguides) RF systems for spacecraft.
• Perform RF system architecture design, trade studies, link budget analysis, and requirements definition.
• Conduct detailed RF modeling, simulation, and analysis using tools such as HFSS, CST, ADS, or similar.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, digital, and systems engineers to ensure integrated designs optimized for the given application.
• Generate technical documentation including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and test plans.
• Oversee and support the testing and validation of RF hardware.
• Interface with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and customers throughout the lifecycle of the RF system.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and participate in design reviews.
• Other professional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of hands-on experience in RF system design, preferably for space applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of RF and microwave engineering, with expertise in both active and passive components.
• Proficiency with industry-standard RF simulation tools (e.g., CST, HFSS, ADS, MATLAB).
• Experience with space-qualified hardware development and knowledge of environmental constraints for on-orbit systems.
• Familiarity with relevant standards such as MIL-STD, NASA, ECSS, or CubeSat specifications.
• Current TS/SCI security clearance or willingness and ability to acquire one.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with space communications systems, radar, remote sensing, or SIGINT payloads.
• Hands-on experience with RF testing equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, etc.).
• Experience with antenna modeling and simulation tools (e.g. GRASP).
• Strong systems engineering background and experience working in cross-disciplinary development teams.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

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 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 - $195,000.

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