Remote Physics Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

Remote Sensing – The Data

Remote Sensing is where Umbra got its start, and our agile Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation remains the most capable on the market. We transform satellite data into real-world, actionable insights that strengthen U.S. national security and intelligence, support disaster response, and advance scientific discovery. Our team delivers data at scale with unmatched quality, persistence, and the speed and responsiveness our partners demand.

If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that’s redefining what’s possible in remote sensing, you belong here at Umbra.

About the Job
We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our Command, Control, and Communications (C3) team to help design and build the systems that power autonomous satellite operations.

This role sits at the intersection of software engineering, mission operations, and aerospace systems. You will work on services that directly support spacecraft command, telemetry processing, and mission execution. Partnering closely with engineers across flight software, GNC, operations, and platform teams.

We are particularly interested in engineers who bring a systems oriented mindset. People who can reason across boundaries (software, physics, infrastructure, and operations), take ownership of ambiguous problems, and translate complex mission needs into robust, scalable software.

This is an opportunity to help shape the evolution of C3 systems as Umbra scales. Both through hands on development and by influencing architecture, engineering practices, and team culture.

This position is based on-site in either our Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office, Arlington, VA office, or Reston, VA office (coming soon).
Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate mission critical backend systems for satellite command, control, and communications.
• Own services end-to-end, from architecture and implementation through deployment and operational support.
• Collaborate across disciplines (flight software, GNC, operations, infrastructure) to deliver integrated mission solutions.
• Contribute to and evolve system architecture, with a focus on reliability, scalability, and fault tolerance.
• Improve system resilience by identifying and addressing failure modes, bottlenecks, and operational risks.
• Lead or contribute to cross functional projects, helping break down problems and align teams.
• Mentor other engineers and contribute to a culture of shared ownership, strong documentation, and continuous learning.
• Participate in on-call rotations and support operational excellence across C3 systems.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5-8+ years of experience building and operating production level backend systems.
• Strong proficiency in backend development (preferably Python) and API design (REST or similar).
• Experience building or supporting mission control, command and control, or operational systems.
• Familiarity with spacecraft operations concepts (telemetry, commanding, orbit determination, etc.).
• Experience with distributed systems, event driven architectures, and microservices.
• Experience deploying and operating services in cloud environments (AWS or similar).
• Strong understanding of system reliability, observability, and failure modes.
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., Postgres) and data driven applications.
• Ability to work cross functionally and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical partners.

Desired Qualifications

• Has led the development of critical systems in aerospace, robotics, or other physics heavy domains (e.g., GNC, flight dynamics, simulation, or scientific computing).
• Strong systems thinking. Ability to reason about tradeoffs across architecture, operations, and mission impact.
• Experience leading technical projects or influencing architecture across teams.
• Track record of improving team effectiveness through mentorship, documentation, or knowledge sharing.
• Experience with infrastructure monitoring, observability tooling, and production debugging.
• Familiarity with Rust or other systems programming languages.

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 $155,000 - $185,000 DOE.