Ground Software Systems ArchitectUmbra 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.If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that's redefining what's possible in remote sensing, you belong here at Umbra.The Ground Software Systems Architect is responsible for defining, designing, integrating, validating, and delivering secure, mission-critical ground software systems supporting advanced space, ISR, and national security missions. This hands-on technical leadership role serves as the ground software systems architecture lead for a key customer program, translating complex mission requirements and operational challenges into scalable, resilient, and secure software and enterprise solutions across classified computing environments.The ideal candidate brings a combination of deep technical expertise, systems-level thinking, and strong customer-facing leadership. They understand how space and ground systems integrate, have experience developing and deploying software in classified environments, and can navigate complex customer organizations while balancing technical objectives, program priorities, and stakeholder expectations.Working closely with software, hardware, network, cybersecurity, mission engineering teams, and government stakeholders, this individual will lead technical strategy, architecture, integration, and execution throughout the program lifecycle. Success in this role requires someone who can take ownership of complex technical challenges, lead multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, and drive solutions from initial customer needs through operational deployment.This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA, Arlington, VA, or Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office.
If you are interested in working from the Santa Barbara office, high travel of 50%+ will be required for the first year.Key ResponsibilitiesLead Ground Software Architecture: A strong understanding of software architecture, event-driven microservices, interface design, and automated testing practices. Define and develop end-to-end architectures for mission-critical ground systems supporting space, ISR, and national security missions, ensuring scalable, resilient, and secure enterprise solutions.Lead System Integration & Verification: Plan and execute system integration, verification, validation, and operational test activities to ensure ground systems meet mission, performance, cybersecurity, and operational requirements.Design Secure Enterprise Infrastructure: Develop and implement secure computing environments including COMSEC, RED/BLACK architectures, cross-domain interfaces, classified networking, Kubernetes/Docker containerized services, virtualization, storage, and enterprise IT infrastructure.Drive Technical Leadership & Customer Engagement: Act as a primary technical interface with government customers and stakeholders. Understand customer challenges, translate operational needs into actionable technical requirements and solutions, and communicate architectural decisions, risks, and tradeoffs effectively. Navigate complex stakeholder environments with sound judgment, diplomacy, and an understanding of both technical and programmatic priorities.
Present technical solutions at customer reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and ORR.Provide Cross-Functional Technical Leadership: Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program management, and customer organizations to resolve technical challenges, maintain alignment, and deliver integrated solutions.Enable Mission Operations & Modern Engineering Practices: Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver mission-ready ground capabilities using software systems engineering best practices, DevSecOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automation, and modern software deployment pipelines supporting U.S. Government and Intelligence Community programs.
Ground Software Systems Architect in santa barbara at Unknown Company
This position is listed as full time and able to be worked remotely.