Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream
We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.
At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn’t restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.
We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.
About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Spacecraft Operations Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in orbital mission planning, mission operations, and spacecraft commissioning. This role requires proficiency in various aspects of mission management, command and control, and mission data processing. The candidate should also have experience with ground systems, mission integration, and launch support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and execute orbital missions.
- Understand and apply Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) principles.
- Manage mission operations, spacecraft commissioning, and payload or subsystem design.
- Oversee mission management, command and control, and mission data processing.
- Work with ground systems, terminals, and infrastructure.
- Integrate missions, ensure operations readiness, conduct rehearsals, and support launches.
- Develop and manage systems engineering processes, including requirements development and change management.
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively within a team.
- Develop mission operations products and ground system artifacts.
- Train Spacecraft Engineers and Online Operations Engineers.
- Utilize simulation tools, test benches, or FlatSats.
- Use Atlassian Tools such as Confluence and Jira.
- Operate Command and Control (C2) and mission planning software.
- Comply with NASA and US government spacecraft and mission requirements.
- Work with commercial satellite communications networks and ground systems.
- Translate requirements into design and solve complex technical challenges.
- Manage products and missions successfully.
About You
Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.
We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +8 yrs experience).
- Typically 10+ years of related experience (or Masters + 8 years of experience).
- Demonstrated expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a comprehensive understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
- Progressive experience across the system development life cycle, including requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
- Progressive experience developing systems architecture and performing systems integration, verification and validation (V&V) activities.
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.
- Ability to travel ocassionally to travel to Colorado Springs, CO.
- Active TS/SCI US Government Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
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Background in software, hardware engineering, integration, test engineering, or related disciplines.
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Proficiency with simulation tools, test benches, or FlatSats.
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Experience with Atlassian Tools such as Confluence and Jira.
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Ability to train Spacecraft Engineers and Online Operations Engineers effectively.
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Proficiency with Command and Control (C2) and mission planning software.
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Experience with NASA and US government spacecraft and mission requirements.
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Familiarity with government and commercial satellite communications networks and ground systems.
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Demonstrated ability to translate requirements into design and solve complex technical challenges.
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A record of successful product and mission management.
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A combined 10 years’ experience in spacecraft operations, mission profile design, and/or systems engineering.
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Capacity to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced collaborative environment.
COMPENSATION
Base Pay Range:
$140,195.00 - $192,775.00
Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.
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:
This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
Elevate Your Career
At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.
Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
We also offer 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, and more.
At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.
Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.
Top Skills
What We Do
Sierra Space is building a shared ecosystem in space for scientific collaboration and innovation to benefit life on earth. With technologies that make space more affordable and accessible, we’re dedicated to creating a prosperous and secure space economy that will benefit all of humanity. Rapidly advancing toward the launch of the next generation of space transportation, the world’s first winged commercial spaceplane, the Dream Chaser®, will perform cargo supply and return missions for NASA - delivering up to 12,000 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) at a time.
Sierra Space is also the developer of the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) Habitat, a modular, three-story commercial habitation and science platform. The unique structure will provide opportunities for multiple businesses including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, to optimize zero gravity benefits.
The Dream Chaser Spaceplane and LIFE platform are central components of the joint partnership Orbital Reef commercial space station and mixed-use business park being developed in partnership with Blue Origin.
Why Work With Us
At Sierra Space, you’ll find a supportive, respectful and upbeat culture where your opinions matter and your personal contributions have impact.
If you’re thinking about your own next frontier, we’d love to help you explore it.
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