Senior Systems Engineer III (Flight Operations - Spacecraft Systems)

At Sierra Space, we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Sierra Space builds and delivers the future of space transportation, destinations, and infrastructure, offering "space-as-a-service" in support of the new space economy.
Does being part of the team to get a spaceplane to the ISS and back again sound exciting? Want to join Dream Chaser Mission Control?
Sierra Space is seeking a candidate with a background in systems thinking and spaceflight operations to join the Flight Operations - Spacecraft Systems team here at Sierra Space. As a member of this team, you will be working towards being a certified flight controller. You'll be responsible for mission planning, training, and execution of Dream Chaser mission operations from our Louisville, CO mission control center.
Sierra Space, based in Louisville, Colorado with operations in Madison, Wisconsin and Durham, North Carolina, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space
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. Your work will ensure the success of the Dream Chaser mission and help usher humanity into the Orbital Age.
The ideal candidate will have experience with various phases of mission planning, training, and operations, as well as the ability to work closely with spacecraft designers to translate the design into operations products. The candidate must also be able to 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 avionics, communication systems, or power analysis. Candidates with prior experience in any of these topic areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
Occasional support of other Sierra Space programs may be required at times, given the skill set of the candidate.
*Occasional travel may be required.
Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering or related discipline and typically six (6) or more years of relevant experience; higher education may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Technical writing and review skills, including operations product development.
• Clear and concise verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and a willingness to learn new disciplines.
• Ability to decompose a large, complicated problem into manageable pieces, understand different points of view, and explain issues and solutions to others with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Ability to explore multiple options, anticipate problems, and implement mitigations.
• Comfort with both professional debate and implementing team decisions.
• Calm under pressure
• Ability to accept and internalize performance feedback.
• Ability to pass the flight controller certification and physical may be a condition of continued employment.
• A positive, can-do attitude!

Preferred:

• Prior experience with real-time spaceflight operations
• Prior experience with mission planning (ConOps, procedures, flight rules, etc.)
• Prior experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems, and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products, and services.
Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

• Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps
• Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity.
• Rarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)
• Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials
• Rarely exposed to loud noises

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $120,552.10 - $165,759.14. Sierra Space considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.
Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.