Spacecraft Operator (Off Hours)

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 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 a Spacecraft Operator to join Umbra’s Space Operations team in order to aid in the on-orbit commanding, controlling, monitoring and tasking of our growing constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. As a Spacecraft Operator, you will be tasked with maintaining the health and safety of our key on-orbit assets, conducting mission-critical analysis, supporting collection tasking and providing valuable user feedback and guidance to our internal hardware, software and collection management teams.

This role requires the ability to primarily work off-hours shifts, including nights and weekends. The work schedule is as follows (or the equivalent Eastern, Central, or Mountain Time Zones):

• Sunday: 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM (Pacific Time)
• Monday: 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM (Pacific Time)
• Tuesday: 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM (Pacific Time)
• Wednesday: 8:00 PM - 4:00 AM (Pacific Time)

The Space Operations team is a small, tight-knit group with dynamic responsibilities, making it an exciting team to be a part of. As a team, we take ownership over our various projects and responsibilities that span a broad area of expertise. We value team players and often work together to solve problems, brainstorm ideas, and execute critical tasks on orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain a constellation of on-orbit satellites
• Support the development and execution of mission plans and on-orbit CONOPS across the vehicle life cycle, including integration, launch, early operations checkouts, payload calibrations, orbital maneuvers, and other on-orbit activities
• Develop and improve automated workflows for day-to-day operations, analysis, anomaly resolution, conjunction assessment, orbital maintenance, and mission planning
• Support tasking operation and optimization, analyze overall system utilization and facilitate unique customer requests as needed
• Support other teams in spacecraft modeling, simulation, mission design, and systems engineering analyses for current and future development efforts
• Define and complete high-level tasks with limited oversight from management
• Ad hoc tasking of satellites to evaluate and test new modes of operation
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve satellite imagery and other products
• Support off-hour operations (weekends and/or nights) independently, while maintaining strong communication with the overall team

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related STEM field
• 1+ year(s) experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicles, or robotics
• Experience with on-orbit operations
• Comfortable with:
• A scripting language such as MATLAB or Python
• Orbit analysis or mission design tools such as STK, GMAT, or Free Flyer
• Version control software such as Git
• Familiarity with at least one of the following: orbital mechanics, attitude control, LEO GNC systems, space systems engineering, spacecraft propulsion, flight software, rendezvous procedures
• Excellent communications skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently as needed, and willingness to learn new skills and technology
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment
• Comfortable working on high-level tasks independently
• Ability to work off-hour shifts including nights and/or weekends

• 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

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. 

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 $90,000 - $120,000.