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Dream Chaser Flight Controller (Systems Engineer II) Verified today

Sierra Space · Louisville, CO · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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About the Role

Sierra Space is seeking a systems engineer to join the Flight Operations - Spacecraft Systems team working on Dream Chaser mission operations. You will be responsible for mission planning, training, and execution of Dream Chaser operations from our Louisville, CO mission control center, with a track towards becoming a certified flight controller.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Integrating operational concepts and plans with design inputs
  • Developing operations processes and products (procedures, flight rules, timelines, telemetry displays)
  • Developing training products (lessons, reference materials, simulation scripts)
  • Real-time mission support in the Louisville, CO mission control center
  • Working closely with spacecraft designers to translate design into operations products

You will have experience across multiple phases of mission planning, training, and operations. The ideal candidate can work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, is energized by difficult challenges, and takes initiative to organize work and drive results.

Preferred operational specializations include communication systems and mechanical systems. Occasional support of other Sierra Space programs and travel may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience)
  • 2+ years of related experience
  • Ability to drive multidisciplinary system development initiatives and architect comprehensive systems integrating multiple sub-systems
  • Advanced expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including comprehensive understanding of the systems development lifecycle
  • Robust experience across multiple system development life cycles, including requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation
  • Expertise in developing systems architecture and performing systems integration, verification, and validation (V&V) activities
  • Ability to contribute to corporate Systems Engineering policy and process definition and implementation
  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required in the future

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience with real-time spaceflight operations
  • Prior experience with mission planning (ConOps, procedures, flight rules)
  • Prior experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field
  • Extensive experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools (DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab, SysML)
  • Robust understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components
  • Strong understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical performance tracking
  • Robust understanding of technical baseline and configuration management
  • Proven experience leading major projects and mentoring junior and mid-level engineers
  • Experience or certification in INCOSE standards
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to adapt to fast-paced and dynamic work environments
  • Experience with spacecraft avionics systems, telemetry systems, and MIL-STD-1553 data bus protocol
  • Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages and familiarity with software configuration management tools

Compensation

Pay Range: $94,090.00 - $129,394.75

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.

Clearance Requirement

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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.

Benefits

Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, and 3 weeks paid time off.