System Engineer III (Contract)

Sierra Space; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space in Colorado is seeking a Systems Engineer III to lead the integration of complex spacecraft systems across the full development lifecycle. You will align requirements, architecture, and verification activities, guiding cross-functional teams toward a cohesive solution.

The role emphasizes top-down decomposition, traceability, risk management, and collaboration with suppliers and customers. Strong communication and problem-solving are essential as you shepherd milestones and ensure

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and 5+ years related experience.
• Thorough understanding of systems development lifecycle and SE principles.
• Knowledge of requirements management, derivation and allocation.
• Strong systems architecture, integration and V&V experience.
• Ability to collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to drive products.

Responsibilities

• Define, architect and integrate complex system solutions across the lifecycle.
• Lead requirements decomposition, traceability, verification planning and risk management.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure cohesive system performance.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers while adhering to processes and standards.

Skills

Requirements management

System architecture

V&V concepts

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

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 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 Systems Engineer III 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 Systems Engineer III represents 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 help to shepherd the team through technical development milestones, track performance measures and identify technical risks to arrive at a compliant and cohesive system solution. The Systems Engineer III is an emerging leader in Systems Engineering principles and is proficient in the majority of systems engineering skills including requirements management, system architecture development, concept of operation definition, system integration and system verification. The Systems Engineer III may lead small teams to execute systems engineering scope. In this role, you will specify, architect, and integrate complex system solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives. You will derive, decompose, allocate, trace, and manage system requirements and architectures, as well as define and document system concepts of operation. Supporting 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 +3 yrs experience).
• Typically 5+ years of related experience (or Masters + 3 years of experience).
• Emerging expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
• Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
• Knowledge of systems architecture, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.
• Emerging 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.
• Robust experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and frameworks, such as DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab, and SysML.
• Solid understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components.
• Solid understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical performance tracking.
• Solid understanding of technical baseline and configuration management.
• Experience in leading projects and mentoring junior 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.

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.

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. 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.