Engineering Manager, Flight Software

Company: Umbra
Location: Santa Barbara
Posted on: May 23, 2025

Job Description:

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 on the lookout for a highly skilled and experienced Flight Software Engineering Manager who will be instrumental in the development and delivery of embedded flight software tailored for Umbra missions. This pivotal role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, where you will not only oversee day-to-day people management but also provide robust technical leadership to guide your team towards success. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the software architecture, driving code development, and ensuring thorough system integration. Additionally, you will be responsible for producing comprehensive documentation and conducting rigorous testing protocols, all of which are vital to guarantee the successful deployment of mission-critical software that meets the high standards required for our ambitious missions.This position is located onsite in our Santa Barbara, CA office.Key Responsibilities

• 40% people management of a team of 3-4 software engineers, and 60% "hands on" technical leadership of that team to design, develop, and maintain reliable, fault-tolerant flight software.
• Implement software solutions that meet system requirements, while managing interfaces between multiple spacecraft subsystems and ground systems.
• Develop command and control software for spacecraft flight operations, payloads, and peripheral electronics.
• Contribute to and lead test campaigns, including unit testing and automated tests at both subsystem and system levels.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation for software operations and interfaces with hardware/software products.
• Perform other professional duties as assigned.Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of proven experience in high-reliability software development.
  • 2+ years of people management of a team of software engineers, including capacity planning, hiring, feedback, coaching, mentoring, performance reviews, and performance management.
  • 2+ years of technical leadership of a team of software engineers, including requirements analysis, system design, and test plans.
  • Expertise in architecting and developing concurrent and asynchronous code in Rust or Modern C++.
  • Strong background in embedded software development, including experience with Rust or C/C++.
  • Deep understanding of processor architecture and optimizing code for performance and memory efficiency.
  • Experience with software development tools and processes, including Agile methodologies, source control, bug tracking, and design documentation.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic development environment.
    Desired Qualifications
    • Advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
    • 8+ years of relevant experience.
    • 2+ years of experience working with flight software or robotics.
    • Experience developing software for autonomous, fault-critical systems.
    • Expertise with Python programming, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.
    • Proficient in programming embedded ARM cores supporting SoC architectures, and working within Linux, RTOS, or bare-metal environments.
    • Knowledge of Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART, and PCIe interfaces.
    • Experience with developing, deploying, and maintaining software product lines.
      • 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 OptionsUmbra 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 VerificationIn 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 RequirementsThis 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 RangeThe Compensation Range for this role is $150,000 - $180,000 DOE.
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Keywords: Umbra, Altadena , Engineering Manager, Flight Software, IT / Software / Systems , Santa Barbara, California