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Spacecraft Aerospace Technician

umbra

umbra

Santa Barbara, CA, USA
USD 52.88-62.5 / hour + Equity
Posted on Sep 17, 2025

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.

About the Team

Space Systems – The Components

Space Systems is where Umbra turns hardware and software designs into on-orbit realities; developing, implementing and iterating mission-ready core technology, while simultaneously advancing the next generation of our own satellite constellation. Space Systems is vertically integrated across the satellite architecture, thus the team designs, builds, and tests an array of critical components and subsystems, including power systems, communications, control systems, deployment hardware, avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven reliability where failure is not an option.

If you want to work on cutting edge space technology while maintaining the highest standard for innovation and mission ready performance, you belong here at Umbra.

About the Job
Join Umbra's Manufacturing team as a Spacecraft Aerospace Technician and play a crucial role in building the satellites we launch every year. In this position, you will be hands-on in the assembly and testing of our advanced spacecraft systems. Your expertise will not only contribute to the successful construction of satellites but also help streamline and enhance our manufacturing processes across multiple builds. If you're passionate about aerospace technology and eager to make an impact, we want to hear from you!

This position is based on-site in our Santa Barbara, CA office.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support assembly and test on a variety of spacecraft manufacturing tasks.
  • Contribute to maintaining and improving manufacturing and test infrastructure.
  • Communicate and work with engineers to develop and document test procedures.
  • Maintains manufacturing documentation and reports (assembly procedures and test reports).
  • Assist in the design and fabrication of test fixtures.

Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 8+ years of experience working in an aerospace, manufacturing, military or automotive environment.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
  • Familiarity with mechanical measuring equipment such as; torque wrenches, fixtures, tooling, gages, calipers and other measuring devices.
  • Ability to manipulate equipment weighting up to 50 pounds.
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.
  • Strong computer skillset, including Microsoft Office navigation and file manipulation.
  • Manual dexterity with the ability to handle and assemble small parts.
  • Ability to work paid over-time as necessary to complete the mission.

Desired Qualifications:

  • 15+ years of experience in assembly of complex mechanical / electrical systems with preference to small team / startup environments.
  • Experience working with delicate spacecraft hardware, especially wire harnessing and moving mechanical assemblies.
  • Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment.
  • Ability to take project goals inputs and works towards that end-goal beyond individual task assignment.
  • Certification in engineering disciplines.
  • 15 Days of PTO Accrual, 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 $52.88/hour - $62.50/hour DOE.