Systems Engineer II (Flight Operations - Cargo/Payload Integration)

Are you a bold thinker? We dream big at Sierra Space—advocating the exploration of space, keeping service members safe and creating the systems that keep our world united and sustain our way of living. Join our team!

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 is seeking a candidate with a strong background in aerospace & systems engineering, payload integration, and/or spaceflight operations to join the Flight Operations – Cargo Integration team. As a member of this team, you will also work towards certifying as a flight controller and/or instructor.

The Cargo Integration Team is responsible for interfacing with internal and external stakeholders to fully understand requirements and processes. The team works to develop operational procedures to enable the successful delivery and return of cargo to/from the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Dream Chaser. Furthermore, they also interface internally with the spacecraft design teams, as well as the ground systems and launch systems teams to ensure understanding and proper implementation of the cargo requirements and operations.

In this role, you will be responsible for integrating pressurized and unpressurized cargo/payloads on Dream Chaser Cargo Missions to the ISS. You will also work towards certifying as a cargo flight controller and/or instructor to support real time mission operations and training. More specifically, as a cargo flight controller, you will sit on-console in the Dream Chaser mission control room to support real-time cargo loading and unloading operations on the ISS.

Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related discipline; higher education may be considered in lieu of experience.

• Experience may be considered in lieu of higher education.

• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices

• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.

• Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles

Preferred:

• Prior experience with real-time spaceflight operations

• Operational experience of other kinds is also highly valued (e.g. Pilot, scuba diving, Search and Rescue, etc)

• Ability to remain calm and collected under pressure.

• Experience with radio communications

• Payload/satellite integration, requirements management, and/or testing

• Experience working with control documents, requirements, verification and validation plans, procedures, or other documentation in support of design and development activities.

• Experience integrating/managing multiple stakeholders/groups needs and requirements (customers, launch vehicles, ground operations, design engineering)

• Willing to learn new areas of need.

• Some experience with software development tools ( e.g. MATLAB, Pyton, etc.)

• 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.

• Comfortable with both open professional debate and accepting team decisions.

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

At Sierra Space we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. Sierra Space has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies.

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

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.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: 

$91,154.71 - $136,732.06

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.