Dream Chaser Flight Controller; Principal Systems Engineer

Overview

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Our team collaborates to deliver bold space missions and technologies that safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and enable operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. We are mission-driven and strive to be an extraordinary team.

Sierra Space is seeking a candidate with a background in systems thinking and spaceflight operations to join the Flight Operations – Spacecraft Systems team. As a member of this team you will be working towards being a certified flight controller. You will be responsible for mission planning, training, and execution of Dream Chaser mission operations from our Louisville, CO mission control center.

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. Preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

In this role, you will be responsible for integrating operational concepts and plans with design inputs, developing operations processes and products (including procedures, flight rules, timelines, telemetry displays, and more), developing training products (including lessons, reference materials, simulation scripts, and more), and real-time mission support in our Louisville, CO mission control center. Your work will ensure the success of the Dream Chaser mission.

The ideal candidate will have experience with various phases of mission planning, training, and operations, and the ability to work closely with spacecraft designers to translate the design into operations products. The candidate must maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, be energized by difficult challenges, and take initiative to organize work and get things done.

Preferred areas of operational specialization could include: communication systems and mechanical systems. Candidates with prior experience in any of these topic areas are encouraged to apply.

Occasional support of other Sierra Space programs may be required, and occasional travel may be required.

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Master’s +13 years experience).
• Typically 15+ years of related experience (or Master’s + 13 years of experience).
• Ability to drive multidisciplinary system development initiatives and architect comprehensive systems integrating multiple sub-systems.
• Advanced expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a comprehensive understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
• Robust experience across multiple system development life cycles, including requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
• Expertise in developing systems architecture and performing systems integration, verification, and validation (V&V) activities.
• Ability to contribute to corporate Systems Engineering policy and process definition and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.

• Prior experience with real-time spaceflight operations
• Prior experience with mission planning (Con Ops, procedures, flight rules, etc.)
• Prior experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required in the future.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and frameworks, such as DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab, and SysML.
• Robust understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies including…