Systems Engineer III (Flight Operations - Planning & Design)

Are you a bold thinker? We dream big at Sierra Space-advocating the exploration of space, keeping service members safe and creating the systems that keep our world united and sustain our way of living.
Have you ever dreamed of flying a spacecraft? Do you want to be part of mission control? Join our team!
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
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.
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.
Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically six (6) or more years of relevant experience; higher level degree may substitute for experience.
• Related experience may be considered in lieu of required education.
• The ability to pass the flight controller certification and physical may be a condition of continued employment.
• 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.

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.

At Sierra Space we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. Sierra Space has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America's fastest-growing companies. Learn more about Sierra Space
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

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.
Estimated Starting Salary Range:
$104,827.91 - $157,241.88
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.