Systems Engineer III (Flight Operations - Flight Planning & Design)

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.
Have you ever dreamed of flying a spacecraft? Do you want to be part of mission control? Join our team!
In this role, you will work towards becoming a certified Dream Chaser flight controller. We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in mission planning and execution to join the Flight Operations team under the Flight Planning group.
Sierra Space, based in Louisville, Colorado with operations in Madison, Wisconsin, Durham, North Carolina, and Kennedy Space Center, Florida, 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
Flight Activities Officers are responsible for developing mission plans and supporting real-time Dream Chaser mission operations. You will work closely with spacecraft designers, analysts, and other flight control disciplines to integrate products in the form of timelines, procedures, flight rules, etc. You will help manage select operations tools and processes. Additionally, you will develop training products (including lessons, reference materials, and simulation scripts), complete training requirements, and participate in training simulations on your path toward flight controller certification. Upon certification, you will provide real-time mission support from our Mission Control Center (MCC) in Louisville, CO.
This position is initially focused on Dream Chaser cargo missions. However, our multi-disciplinary team is responsible for Flight Operations across Sierra Space; you may be responsible for supporting additional programs at times, with potential future opportunities to earn additional flight control certifications.
This is an on-site position based in Louisville, Colorado. Some shiftwork will be required during mission operations & some travel may be required.
Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically six (6) or more years of relevant experience; higher education may substitute for experience.
• Related experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Strong background in technical integration
• Clear and concise communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability and willingness to learn new subjects and disciplines.
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
• Self-starter and problem-solver who is comfortable working in a fast-paced and often-changing environment, sometimes with little direction.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure during real-time spaceflight operations.
• The ability to pass the flight controller certification and physical may be a condition of continued employment.

Preferred:

• On-console, real-time spaceflight operations and/or training experience
• Experience with mission planning and operations product development (operational concepts, timelines, procedures, flight rules)
• Experience in mission training activities (training simulations, teaching, conducting evaluations, etc.).
• Experience using, developing, testing operations tools (displays, scripts)
• Ability to explore multiple options, anticipate problems, and implement mitigations.
• Ability to decompose a large, complicated problem into manageable pieces, understand such problems from different points of view, and explain issues and solutions to other engineers.
• 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: $104,827.91 - $144,138.38. 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.