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Payload Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Umbra

Engineering Manager

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

... payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the ... As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software ...

UMBRA

Engineering Manager

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

... payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the ... As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software ...

Mundi

Mission Payload Engineer (TS/SCI)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

In this role, you will work closely with Program Managers and key engineering disciplines to define and negotiate payload interfaces (mechanical, data and software, power, mission, etc.) and develop ...

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Payload Engineering Manager information

What does a payload engineering manager do?

A Payload Engineering Manager leads teams responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of payload systems on spacecraft, satellites, or launch vehicles. They coordinate cross-functional engineering efforts, ensure payloads meet mission requirements, and manage schedules and budgets. This role typically involves overseeing technical staff, collaborating with clients or mission partners, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payload engineering manager?

To thrive as a Payload Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience in payload integration, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like CAD software, project management systems, and knowledge of regulatory standards such as ITAR is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing cross-functional teams and complex projects. These skills ensure efficient payload development, regulatory compliance, and successful mission outcomes in a highly technical and collaborative environment.

How does a payload engineering manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development of new payload systems?

A Payload Engineering Manager regularly works with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, software developers, manufacturing specialists, and project managers, to ensure payload systems are designed, integrated, and tested efficiently. This collaboration often involves coordinating technical requirements, managing schedules, and addressing integration issues early in the development cycle. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as the manager must balance technical objectives with project constraints while fostering a collaborative environment. Such teamwork is crucial for meeting deadlines and ensuring the final payload meets all performance and safety requirements.

What is the difference between Payload Engineering Manager vs Payload Systems Engineer?

AspectPayload Engineering ManagerPayload Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership, project management, team coordinationDesign, development, testing of payload systems
Industry UsageSatellite, aerospace, defense companiesSatellite, aerospace, defense companies
Search IntentManagement roles in payload projectsTechnical roles in payload system design

The Payload Engineering Manager oversees teams and manages payload projects, focusing on leadership and project delivery. In contrast, the Payload Systems Engineer concentrates on technical design and development of payload systems. Both roles are essential in aerospace and defense industries but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What cities in California are hiring for Payload Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Payload Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Payload Engineering Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Engineering Manager

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Umbra
See more jobs at Umbraexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

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 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 GNC systems, 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
We are looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to join the Space Systems Business Group, where you will provide leadership and guidance to both personnel and programs while managing Umbra's highly skilled Engineering teams. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Space Systems and involves overseeing a multi-disciplined team responsible for design, test, implementation and support of cutting-edge satellite technology. As the Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with hardware, software, and product-focused teams, as well as senior leadership, to drive the development of innovative technologies and support the professional growth of a talented group of engineers.
This position is based on-site in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office or Arlington, VA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage personnel, oversee programmatic initiatives, and take accountability for the technical quality and schedule performance for a multi-disciplined team within the Space Systems Business Group.
  • Support the professional growth and career development of spacecraft engineers, incorporating feedback from technical leadership.
  • Drive innovation and implement process improvements to Umbra's engineering and space vehicle design practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Work closely with project, product, and technical leads to understand project scope, ensuring team members execute tasks with high quality and efficiency.
  • Manage team members in areas such as workload, task assignments, support, development, and conflict resolution.
  • Hold regular one-on-one meetings with team members and conduct quarterly performance evaluations.
  • Partner with various stakeholders to execute headcount planning, recruitment, onboarding and training of new personnel.
  • Represent the team's needs and capacity in technical meetings, collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure well-informed solutions.
  • Work directly with the VP of Space Systems to coordinate and report on departmental efforts.
  • Apply agile methodologies to support sprint planning, track progress, and manage individual performance.
  • Ensure the team adheres to legal, security, and company policy requirements.
  • Perform other professional duties as assigned.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related STEM field.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in aerospace engineering, with at least 5+ years of hands-on experience in space vehicle design.
  • 5+ years of direct engineering personnel management, with proven experience managing senior technical staff members.
  • Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams, including hiring, performance management, career development, succession planning, workload allocation, and accountability for technical quality and schedule performance.
  • Proficiency in traditional project management practices, including critical path analysis, resource planning, and schedule management tools (e.g., MS Project).
  • Working knowledge of Agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe) and associated tooling (e.g., Jira).
  • Proven ability to build, mentor, and sustain high-performing engineering teams in complex technical environments.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical and executive stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Engineering or a related STEM field.
  • 20+ years of professional experience in aerospace engineering, with at least 10+ years of hands-on experience in space vehicle design.
  • 8+ years of direct engineering personnel management, with proven experience managing senior technical staff members.
  • Experience leading engineering teams through full lifecycle programs, from concept development through integration, test, and launch.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply both traditional and Agile management frameworks in aerospace program execution.
  • Experience operating in a fast-paced, development-driven or startup aerospace environment.
  • Professional certifications such as PMP, CAPM, CSM, or equivalent are a plus.

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 $195,000 - $235,000 DOE.

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