Systems Engineer III (Flight Operations - Mission Training)

At Sierra Space, we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Sierra Space builds and delivers the future of space transportation, destinations, and infrastructure, offering “space-as-a-service” in support of the new space economy.

Sierra Space is seeking a candidate with a strong background in systems engineering, spaceflight mission training, simulator-based training, and customer relations to join the Flight Operations Mission Training team. As a member of the Dream Chaser Mission Training team, you will be working towards being a certified simulation instructor. You'll be responsible for planning and executing mission training in support of Dream Chaser mission operations.

Sierra Space-based in Louisville, CO with operations in Madison, WI, Durham, NC, Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX, and Kennedy Space Center, FL—designs and manufactures the Dream Chaser spaceplane and other advanced spacecraft, commercial space destinations, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers, and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space

Sierra Space, based in Louisville, Colorado with operations in Madison, Wisconsin, Durham, North Carolina, and Kennedy Space Center, Florida, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space

In this role, you will be responsible for development of mission training products (including lessons, reference materials, simulation scripts, and more), operating a mission simulator, evaluating and mentoring flight controllers, and collaborating with other simulation instructors during mission simulations.  Your work will ensure the successful planning, training, and execution of the Dream Chaser mission. Areas of operational and training specialization could include avionics, environmental control, power, flight dynamics, instrumentation/communication, mechanisms, and propulsion. Candidates with prior experience in any of these topic areas are encouraged to apply.

Occasional support of other ongoing Sierra Space spaceflight programs may be required at times, given the skill set of the candidate. 

*Travel may be required.

Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering or related discipline and typically six (6) or more years of relevant experience; higher education may be considered in lieu or experience.

• Experience may be considered in lieu of education.

• Prior experience as a certified spaceflight simulation instructor.

• Experience performing simulator model testing and validation, creating instructor displays to operate the simulator models, and developing training materials for sim instructors to operate the models.

• Prior experience in developing training materials including instructor-led courses, simulation scripts, simulator operations console workshops, and other training support documents.

• Experience conducting training activities including instructor-led courses, mission simulations, and personnel evaluations.

• Strong technical writing skills, including technical review and operations product development.

• Ability to rapidly work with minimal supervision on projects involving both small and large teams.

• Experience working in multi-disciplinary development teams.

• Strong background in engineering fundamentals, and willing to learn new disciplines.

• Clear and concise communication skills.

Preferred:

• Prior experience as a certified astronaut instructor.

• Prior spaceflight real-time operations experience.

• Experience assisting flight controllers and instructors in developing console-specific training plans using training needs assessments to determine tasks, skills, and knowledge requirements.

• Experience writing new simulator training requirements and learning new simulation systems and simulation instructor interfaces to mission simulators.

• Willing to learn new areas of need.

• Ability to explore multiple options, anticipate problems, and implement mitigations.

• Ability to decompose a large, complicated problem into manageable pieces, understand such problems from different points of view, and explain issues and solutions to other engineers.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems, and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products, and services.

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

• Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps

• Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity.

• Rarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)

• Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials

• Rarely exposed to loud noises

With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products and services.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: 

$104,827.91 - $157,241.88

Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.