Systems Engineer II

sierraspace; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space in Louisville, CO seeks a Spacecraft Systems Flight Controller to serve as the real-time systems engineer for Dream Chaser subsystems during missions. You will monitor telemetry, execute procedures, and provide real-time decisions to ensure spacecraft health.

This role requires on-site presence in Louisville and rotating 9-hour shifts for 24/7 mission coverage, with clear collaboration across the Flight Control Team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Typically 2+ years of related experience.
• Understanding of requirements management and system development lifecycle.
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystem operations principles for assigned console discipline.
• Ability to work rotating 9-hour shifts on-site in Louisville, CO.
• Ability to pass FAA medical screening requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor telemetry and execute procedures during mission operations.
• Analyze telemetry trends and troubleshoot anomalies; provide real-time decisions to Flight Director.
• Coordinate with ESR personnel and other console positions to resolve technical issues.
• Develop procedures, flight rules and display pages; participate in simulations to maintain proficiency.
• Review flight plans and assist pre-mission planning; support training and certification.

Skills

Spacecraft systems

Real-time operations

Telemetry analysis

Procedures execution

Decision making

Education

Bachelor degree in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems)

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 Spacecraft Systems Flight Controller serves as the real-time systems engineer responsible for Dream Chaser spacecraft subsystem operations during mission operations.

Operating from the Taylor Mission Control Center in Louisville, CO, the Spacecraft Systems Flight Controller monitors spacecraft telemetry, executes procedures, commands spacecraft systems, and provides real-time technical decisions to ensure spacecraft health and mission success. They represent their assigned console discipline (EPS, ECLS, PROP, INCO, AVIONICS, or MECH) within the integrated Flight Control Team (FCT), working alongside other console positions under the direction of the Flight Director.

The Spacecraft Systems 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, Spacecraft Systems provides 24/7 coverage through rotating 9-hour shifts, maintaining spacecraft subsystem health and performance.

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, and neglect'.

In this role, you will monitor and command spacecraft subsystems via real-time telemetry during mission operations. You will execute nominal and contingency procedures using Epsilon3 and InControl systems, analyze telemetry trends to identify anomalies, and communicate clearly on Flight Control Team voice loops. Supporting pre-mission planning by reviewing flight plans and developing console products will be a key responsibility, alongside participating in simulations to maintain proficiency and certification. You will coordinate with other console positions on integrated system issues, provide go/no-go recommendations to the Flight Director, and interface with ESR Responsible Engineers for technical troubleshooting.

Developing procedures, flight rules, and display pages will be essential, and you will investigate subsystem anomalies and develop corrective actions.

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 degree in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems) or related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
• Typically 2+ years of related experience in spacecraft systems, aerospace operations, aerospace test operations, or related technical field.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft systems engineering principles including requirements management, system integration, verification/validation, and systems development lifecycle.
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystem operations principles relevant to assigned console discipline (power, thermal, propulsion, communications, avionics, or mechanical systems).
• 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

Direct experience with spacecraft subsy