Dream Chaser ECLS Flight Controller

Sierra Space; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 119,064 - 163,713; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

3 weeks paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking an ECLS Flight Controller to manage the thermal control and environmental systems for the Dream Chaser spacecraft. This role requires overseeing real-time telemetry and executing procedures, ensuring mission success.

Applicants should have a degree in a related field and significant experience. This position will be based in Louisville, Colorado, involving rotating shifts for 24/7 mission coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience in thermal systems or spacecraft operations.
• Ability to analyze complex technical data in real-time situations.
• Ability to work rotating 9-hour shifts.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and command spacecraft thermal control via telemetry.
• Execute procedures using Epsilon3 and InControl systems.
• Coordinate with console positions for integrated system issues.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Verbal communication

Written communication

Collaboration skills

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Epsilon3

InControl

Job description

Role Summary

The ECLS (Environmental Control & Life Support) Flight Controller serves as the real‑time systems engineer responsible for Dream Chaser spacecraft thermal management and environmental control systems during mission operations. Operating from the Taylor Mission Control Center in Louisville, CO, the ECLS Flight Controller monitors spacecraft telemetry, executes procedures, commands thermal control systems, and provides real‑time technical decisions to ensure spacecraft environmental health and mission success. They represent the ECLS subsystem within the integrated Flight Control Team (FCT), working alongside 10 other console positions under the direction of the Flight Director. The ECLS Flight Controller monitors real‑time telemetry, analyzes system performance, troubleshoots anomalies, executes nominal and contingency procedures, and coordinates with Engineering Support Room (ESR) personnel to resolve technical issues. During missions, ECLS provides 24/7 coverage through rotating 9‑hour shifts, maintaining spacecraft thermal control and environmental systems. This role embodies the seven Foundations of Flight Operations — Discipline, Competence, Confidence, Responsibility, Toughness, Teamwork, and Vigilance — and operates under the principle that “spaceflight will never tolerate carelessness, incapacity, or neglect.”

Responsibilities

• Monitor and command spacecraft thermal control, active cooling, heat rejection, and environmental conditioning systems via real‑time telemetry during mission operations.
• Execute nominal and contingency procedures using Epsilon3 and InControl systems, analyzing telemetry trends to identify anomalies.
• Communicate clearly on Flight Control Team voice loops.
• Support pre‑mission planning by reviewing flight plans and developing console products.
• Participate in simulations to maintain proficiency and certification.
• Coordinate with other console positions (EPS, Avionics, Mech, Prop) on integrated system issues, providing go/no‑go recommendations to the Flight Director.
• Interface with ESR Responsible Engineers for technical troubleshooting.
• Develop ECLS procedures, flight rules, and display pages.
• Investigate thermal control system anomalies and develop corrective actions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience) or Master’s degree + 3 years experience.
• Typically 5+ years of related experience in thermal systems, spacecraft operations, aerospace test operations, or related technical field (or Master’s + 3 years of experience).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermal control system principles.
• Knowledge of requirements management, system integration, verification/validation principles, and systems development lifecycle.
• Ability to analyze complex technical data and make sound decisions under time pressure in dynamic, real‑time operations environments.
• Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate technical issues to diverse audiences including Flight Director and Flight Control Team.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi‑disciplinary teams with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• High degree of rigor in executing procedures and documenting actions; commitment to operational excellence and attention to detail.
• Ability to work rotating 9‑hour shifts for 24/7 mission coverage; on‑site presence at Louisville, CO required during missions.
• Ability to pass and maintain FAA medical screening requirements via certified Aviation Medical Examiner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Direct experience with spacecraft thermal control systems including active cooling, heat rejection, thermal loops, and environmental conditioning.
• Previous experience as a flight controller, mission controller, test conductor, or real‑time operations role in space operations or aerospace test environments.
• Background in spacecraft Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) for crewed vehicles or cargo spacecraft.
• Experience with command and control systems (InControl or similar) and procedure execution platforms (Epsilon3 or similar).
• Experience interpreting real‑time telemetry, commanding spacecraft systems, and troubleshooting anomalies in operational environments.
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their thermal interfaces (EPS, avionics, propulsion, mechanical systems).
• Knowledge of flight rules, operational limits, go/no‑go decision processes, and mission operations protocols.
• Experience developing operational procedures, console handbooks, flight rules, or training materials for mission operations.
• Understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical performance tracking.
• Excellent troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills with ability to extrapolate beyond known scenarios and make educated decisions with incomplete information.
• Demonstrated composure and sound judgment in high‑stress situations; ability to adapt to fast‑paced, dynamic, and ambiguous operational environments.
• Embodiment of the seven Foundations of Flight Operations: Discipline, Competence, Confidence, Responsibility, Toughness, Teamwork, and Vigilance.

Compensation

Pay Range: $119,064.00 – $163,713.00. 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.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain 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.

Benefits

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sierra Space 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 at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.