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!
We are currently seeking a Mission Operations and Sustainment Lead (Senior Systems Engineer) to join our Flight Operations team in support of the development and execution of Tranche 2 Tacking Layer spacecraft missions as part of our contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA). As a vital part of our operations, you will play a pivotal role in the lifecycle management of spacecraft operations, including launch, commissioning, and mission sustainment.
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
Primary Responsibilities:
The Mission Operations and Sustainment Lead is a leadership role within our Flight Operations organization. This role is responsible for the development and execution of operations throughout the entire spacecraft lifecycle. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead the Mission Operations and Sustainment team with technical expertise and strong leadership qualities.
• Manage mission operations requirements, including decomposition, allocation, verification, and validation.
• Develop and validate mission operations products, tools, and operator training material.
• Formulate comprehensive operational plans covering all mission phases, from pre-launch to mission conclusion.
• Create and maintain a pre-launch simulation environment to verify operational procedures and subsystem functionality.
• Plan spacecraft operations, including launch and on-orbit activities.
• Guide rehearsals, test events, and early operations, while tracking technical progress.
• Verify and validate mission operations through various testing methods and provide leadership and guidance within project teams.

Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 10 (Ten) or more years of relevant experience; higher education may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of systems engineering process, including requirements development and change management.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
• Proficiency in mission operations, spacecraft commissioning, and payload or subsystem design.
• Strong background in mission management, command and control, and mission data processing.
• Knowledge of ground systems, terminals, and infrastructure.
• Experience in mission integration, operations readiness, rehearsals, and launch support.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.

Preferred:

• Additional experience in developing mission operations products and ground system artifacts.
• Background in software, hardware engineering, integration, test engineering, or related disciplines.
• Proficiency with simulation tools, test benches, or FlatSats.
• Experience with Atlassian Tools such as Confluence and Jira.
• Ability to train Spacecraft Engineers and Online Operations Engineers effectively.
• Proficiency with Command and Control (C2) and mission planning software.
• Experience with NASA and US government spacecraft and mission requirements.
• Familiarity with commercial satellite communications networks and ground systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate requirements into design and to solve complex technical challenges.
• A record of successful product and mission management.
• A combined 10 years' experience in spacecraft operations, mission profile design, and/or systems engineering.
• Capacity to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced collaborative environment.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

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.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
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:
$120,552.10 - $180,828.15
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.