Systems Engineer I

As a Systems Engineer at Sierra Space, you will be a member of the team that runs the Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL), where it is our goal to provide a world-class lab environment for engineering teams to perform hardware and software integration testing on flight-like avionics and mechanical systems.
Sierra Space-based in Louisville, CO with operations in Madison, WI, Durham, NC, Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX, and Kennedy Space Center, FL-designs and manufactures the Dream Chaser spaceplane and other advanced spacecraft, commercial space destinations, 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
This role includes dynamic design, test, and development work to aid in the integration of avionics, mechanical control, electrical power systems, and electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) systems. As a part of the Transportation division of Sierra Space, you will be working on the development and integration of the subsystems that make the Dream Chaser® space plane. You will be in a hands-on environment, where you get exposure to testing on many subsystems. With the engineering team, you will execute tests on complex system architectures, streamline lab processes, and develop test interfaces that improve upon the end-user experience.
The scope of this role includes collaborating with the Sierra Space EGSE Center to develop test software and end user interfaces to be used in the SIL, assisting with technical support of lab users daily, and improving upon existing processes and procedures in the SIL to provide an unmatched lab user experience. This role will be a blend of test software development/review/maintenance and engineering test support through collaboration with the SIL engineering staff.
The ideal candidate has a high attention to detail, is a strong communicator, excels at real-time problem solving, and possesses sound interpersonal and decision-making skills. Computer proficiency is mandatory with experience in the Microsoft Office suite.

• Participation in continuous improvement, development, problem-solving, and troubleshooting work as part of an engineering team
• Architecting software of custom test equipment racks with input from SIL team, hardware owners, and senior engineers
• Using standard and specialized electrical test equipment to support test operations in the lab (oscilloscopes, meters, signal generators, power supplies, break-out boxes, etc.)
• Able to communicate effectively with multi-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, IT, Management) to ensure customer needs are understood and executed correctly
• Review of engineering documentation for accuracy/completeness and generation of parts lists, processes, purchase requests, and engineering documentation change requests in support of executing test objectives
• Maintaining safety of space-grade hardware by diligent operational policy compliance in contamination controlled and electro-static discharge (ESD) sensitive environments

Must-haves:

• Bachelors of Science degree in Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineering or related discipline and typically 0-3 years of relevant experience
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
• Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles

Preferred:

• Experience with test software development (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, Linux), electronics lab instrumentation, or hardware/software test execution
• Demonstrated problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Experience operating in a controlled test laboratory environment or other highly regulated environment (aviation, space, medical, power generation, etc.)
• Able to interpret and produce engineering documentation such as system schematics, functional block diagrams, engineering drawings, electrical schematics
• Effective multi-disciplinary communication
• Experience with electrical test equipment (oscilloscopes, meters, signal generators, power supplies, etc.)

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: $79,264.96 - $108,989.32. SNC 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 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.