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Principal Systems Engineer (Mission Engineering)

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

Software Engineering
Louisville, CO, USA · Louisville, KY, USA
Posted on Jun 24, 2024

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.

At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn’t restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.

We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

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! As a Systems Engineer, you will be using your skills and expertise to research, architect, model, simulate, test, certify and improve cutting edge products and services. You'll be developing complex system architectures within contextual modeling platforms, ushering them from operational concept through preliminary and detailed design, simulation, and test using progressive tools. As a cross-functional engineer, you are in charge of system-level ownership of new products and processes through the product lifecycle.

About You
Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.

We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Sierra Space’s Orbital Missions and Services (OMS) division focuses on the design, build, and operations of small satellites in support of commercial services and national security space and offers two work locations: Louisville, Colorado and Centennial, Colorado.

Sierra Space is seeking a Principal Mission Engineer to join our expanding OMS team. The Sr Mission Engineer will work to define mission parameters and derive driving mission requirements as part of a novel spacecraft development. The Sr Mission Engineer will provide the mission perspective throughout the design lifecycle and assess key mission performance attributes to ensure we are meeting the customer’s mission objectives.

The successful candidate should possess an enthusiasm for space protection and systems development and should demonstrate the ability to understand and champion a mission viewpoint throughout the development.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related discipline and typically 14(fourteen) or more years of relevant experience

  • Experience with flight hardware in a manufacturing & production environment

  • Experience with environment test processes (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, etc.)

  • Basic understanding of SMC-S-016: Test Requirements for Launch, Upper-Stage and Space Vehicles

  • Extensive troubleshooting experience using a broad range of hardware and software tools

  • Experience with complex and professional manufacturing and end-to-end test plans, test procedures, and test reports in order to demonstrate compliance to system requirements

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance

  • Progressive experience in Mission Engineering roles for platform-level systems development.

  • Experience developing mission objectives and requirements, drafting mission level concepts of operation and assessing mission performance throughout the system lifecycle.

  • Ability to trade mission attributes to achieve design to cost and schedule constraints while maintaining mission objectives.

  • Ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to derive and capture requirements and architecture data across a system of systems.

  • Great attitude with the ability to collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams to solve hard problems in a rapid development environment.

  • Master’s degree or higher in related field of study.

  • Experience working in or familiarity with common industry system & mission modeling tools and languages, such as STK, Cameo EA, SysML, Matlab & Python.

  • Experience participating in Systems Engineering activities through successful completion of design milestones such as System Requirements Reviews (SRRs), System Functional Reviews (SFRs), and Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews (PDRs and CDRs).

  • Experience or certification in INCOSE standards

  • Experience across all phases of the program development lifecycle, from capture through design, implementation and test.

  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

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.

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

We also offer 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.

Estimated Starting Salary Range:

$159,430.15 - $219,216.46

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates are identified.