Sr Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer

Pace Industries, LLC; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 143,700 - 197,608; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) with 150% match

3 weeks paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to shape and drive complex space systems from concept through verification. You will lead system specification, architecture, and integration while partnering with cross-functional engineers and subject matter experts to ensure cohesive, traceable requirements and robust system performance.

Responsibilities include managing lifecycle activities, leading milestone reviews, and mitigating technical risks within a fast-paced, collaborative

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience; Master's preferred.
• Typically 10+ years of related experience or a combination with advanced degree.
• Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering across the lifecycle; strong architecture, requirements, and integration skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and communicating with engineers and SMEs.

Responsibilities

• Lead specification, architecture, and integration of complex system solutions.
• Manage derivation, decomposition, allocation, tracing of system requirements and architectures.
• Oversee system integration and verification activities to ensure performance and compliance.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and drive milestone reviews and artifacts.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Requirements Management

V&V (Verification & Validation)

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

DOORS

CAMEO EA

Rhapsody

MATLAB

SysML

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 Role

The Sr Systems Engineer contributes to the development and implementation of advanced system solutions by providing alignment, connection and direction to the technical team throughout the product development lifecycle. The Sr Systems Engineer champions the viewpoint of the integrated whole during system development and works to glue segments and subsystems together via top‑down decomposition of stakeholder requirements, traceability through development artifacts, and bottom‑up validation and verification of the system. They shepherd the team through technical development milestones, track performance measures and identify technical risks to arrive at a compliant and cohesive system solution. The Sr Systems Engineer is a promoter of Systems Engineering principles and has expertise across the major systems engineering skills including requirements management, system architecture development, concept of operation definition, system integration and system verification. The Sr Systems Engineer leads teams to execute systems engineering scope and helps to develop systems thinking in others. In this role, you will lead the specification, architecting, and integration of complex system solutions while collaborating with cross‑functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives. You will oversee the derivation, decomposition, allocation, tracing, and management of system requirements and architectures, as well as define and document system concepts of operation. Leading development milestone reviews by creating artifacts and deliverables will be a key responsibility, alongside overseeing system integration and verification activities to ensure system functionality and performance. You will identify and manage technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for enhancement. Adhering to established engineering processes and standards will be essential, and you will communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful execution.

About You

Our 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

• 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 lifecycle, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and frameworks, such as DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab, and SysML.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical performance tracking.
• Strong understanding of technical baseline and configuration management.
• Proven experience in leading 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 a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment.

Compensation

Pay Range: $143,700.00 - $197,608.50. 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.

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. 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.

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.

About Sierra Space

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. Headquartered 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.