Dream Chaser Flight Controller - Systems Engineer I

Pace Industries, LLC; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 78,000 - 107,000; 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 a qualified candidate to join the Flight Operations team in Louisville, CO, to plan missions for the Dream Chaser program. You will design trajectories using FreeFlyer and MATLAB and work with hardware and software engineers to integrate timelines, procedures, and attitudes for mission success.

You will train towards flight controller certification and deliver real-time support from the Mission Control Center.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Typically entry-level 0-2 years of experience.
• Strong background in orbital mechanics or spacecraft attitude dynamics.
• Clear and concise communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to learn new subjects and disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Plan missions for the Dream Chaser program using custom flight design tools.
• Design spacecraft trajectories to meet mission needs with FreeFlyer and MATLAB.
• Collaborate with hardware/software engineers, flight science analysts, and flight control teams.
• Work toward flight controller certification and participate in training simulations.
• Provide real-time mission support from the Mission Control Center in Louisville, CO.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Spacecraft attitude dynamics

MATLAB

FreeFlyer

STK

Microsoft Office

Kalman filters

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

MATLAB

FreeFlyer

STK

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sierra Space Careers:At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.About the RoleWithin the Flight Operations organization, Flight Planning and Design is responsible for planning missions for the Dream Chaser program as well as supporting real-time Dream Chaser mission operations. You will utilize custom flight design tools based in FreeFlyer and Matlab to design the spacecraft trajectory to meet mission needs. Additionally, you will work closely with hardware and software engineers, flight science analysts, and other flight control disciplines to integrate products in the form of timelines, procedures, trajectories, attitudes, etc.Additionally, you will 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.About YouOur mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.Minimum Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications: Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).Typically entry-level 0 - 2 years of experience.Highly organized and detail orientedStrong background in orbital mechanics or spacecraft attitude dynamics.Clear and concise communication skills (written and verbal)Ability and willingness to learn new subjects and disciplinesPractical knowledge of engineering principles and practicesSelf-starter and problem-solver who is comfortable working in a fast-paced and often-changing environmentAbility to work effectively under pressure as part of a teamThe ability to pass the flight controller certification and physical may be a condition of continued employmentPosition based in Louisville, CO. Some shiftwork will be required during mission operations.Preferred Qualifications:Preferred Qualifications: MATLABSTK or FreeflyerMicrosoft Office ToolsTool development including a GUI (In any coding language)Technical writing: detailed process documentationStrong foundation in Orbital MechanicsStrong foundation in Spacecraft AttitudesSome experience studying or working with Kalman FiltersCompensation:Pay Range:$77,685.00 - $106,816.50Your 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.Elevate Your CareerAt 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.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.Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.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.About UsAbout Sierra SpaceHeadquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth.Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.