Dream Chaser Flight Controller (Systems Engineer II)

Sierra Space; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 94,090 - 129,394; 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 looking for a Flight Operations specialist in Louisville, CO. This role involves mission planning, training, and executing Dream Chaser operations. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of related experience, with a strong background in Systems Engineering and real-time spaceflight operations.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $94,090.00 to $129,394.75 and a range of benefits including medical plans, a 401(k) match, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Typically 2+ years of related experience.
• Possibility to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Integrate operational concepts and plans with design inputs.
• Develop operations processes and products.
• Provide real‑time mission support at our Louisville, CO mission control center.

Skills

Systems Engineering principles

Mission planning

Real-time spaceflight operations

Python or similar scripting

Project management methodologies

Communication systems

Mechanical systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

DOORS

CAMEO EA

Rhapsody

Matlab

SysML

Job description

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep the United States and its allies mission‑ready throughout space. We are mission‑driven and work together to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

About the Role

We are seeking a candidate with systems thinking and spaceflight operations background to join the Flight Operations – Spacecraft Systems team. The role focuses on mission planning, training, and execution of Dream Chaser mission operations from our Louisville, CO mission control center, with the goal of becoming a certified flight controller.

About You

Your passion for advancing space‑based technology and protecting national security will be the foundation of your contribution. You must be able to innovate beyond boundaries, pursue solutions relentlessly, and maintain a positive attitude in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate will experience various phases of mission planning, training, and operations, and will work closely with spacecraft designers to translate design into operations products. Your work will support real‑time mission operations and ensure the success of the Dream Chaser mission.

Responsibilities

• Integrate operational concepts and plans with design inputs • Develop operations processes and products (procedures, flight rules, timelines, telemetry displays, etc.) • Produce training materials (lessons, reference materials, simulation scripts, etc.) • Provide real‑time mission support at our Louisville, CO mission control center • Maintain a positive attitude in high‑pressure situations

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience)
• Typically 2+ years of related experience
• Ability to drive multidisciplinary system development initiatives and design comprehensive systems integrating multiple subsystems
• Advanced expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including the systems development lifecycle
• Robust experience across multiple system development life cycles, including requirements management and 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 specialty subject matter experts to drive systems engineering products
• Possibility to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance in the future

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with real‑time spaceflight operations
• Prior experience in mission planning (ConOps, procedures, flight rules, etc.)
• Prior experience in multi‑disciplinary teams
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Extensive experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and frameworks (e.g., DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab, SysML)
• Robust understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, risk management, and technical performance tracking
• Robust understanding of technical baseline and configuration management
• Proven experience in 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, 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
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance (potential future requirement)

Preferred Areas of Operational Specialization

Communication systems and mechanical systems. Candidates with prior experience in these topic areas are encouraged to apply.

Occasional Support

Occasional support of other Sierra Space programs may be required based on your skill set. Occasional travel may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: $94,090.00 – $129,394.75 (base salary may vary based on experience, education, and market competitiveness)

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision plans; 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%; life insurance; 3 weeks paid time off; and more.

Security Clearance Requirement

Due to the nature of the role, you must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. You must be a U.S. Citizen, as non‑U.S. citizens may not qualify for a clearance.

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