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Sr Systems Engineer - Program Protection Mission Cyber Lead (Contingent Upon Award) (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

Software Engineering
Centennial, CO, USA
Posted on Apr 14, 2025

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.

Sierra Space is seeking a Sr Systems Engineer - Program Protection Mission Cyber Lead to join our expanding Sierra Space Defense team. You will join a team of Systems Engineers as they use MBSE tools and practices to develop requirements, system architectures, concepts of operation and facilitate successful development milestones on a novel spacecraft system. The Sr Systems Engineer leads and drives the development and implementation of advanced system solutions by providing alignment, connection and direction to the technical team throughout the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate should possess an enthusiasm for space protection and systems development and should demonstrate the ability to understand and champion a systems viewpoint throughout the development.

Come join Sierra Space as we continue to expand our Defense portfolio. We are seeking dynamic and innovative professional personnel that support the vision of Defense programs in the OPIR mission area. This is your chance to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, working alongside the brightest minds in the industry to develop and deploy advanced space-based infrared surveillance systems. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible and making a tangible impact on national security, we want you on our team!

Key Responsibilities:

  • Developing, managing, and implementing program processes and procedures to mitigate compromise of program.

  • Developing, managing, and implementing procedures to mitigate compromise of mission attributes.

  • Identifying new and evolving threats for current and future space-based capabilities.

  • Analyzing denial/deception and Perception Management technique.

  • Monitoring foreign and domestic space assets to aid in operational and tactical space domain awareness.

  • Developing Pre/Post engagement assessments for Probability of Detection and Mission Effectiveness.

  • Ongoing identification of program risks and resolutions.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +8 yrs experience).

  • Typically 10+ years of related experience (or Masters + 8 years of experience).

  • Ability to drive multidisciplinary system development initiatives, architect comprehensive systems integrating multiple sub-systems.

  • Advanced expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a comprehensive understanding of the systems development lifecycle.

  • Robust experience across multiple system development life cycles, including requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.

  • Expertise in developing systems architecture and performing systems integration, verification and validation (V&V) activities.

  • Ability to contribute to corporate Systems Engineering policy and process definition and implementation.

  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.

  • An active Secret with ability to obtain TS/SCI U.S. Security Clearance is required.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.

  • Counter-intelligence polygraph.

  • Demonstrated experience architecting within MBSE.

  • Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

  • Extensive experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and frameworks, such as DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab and SysML.

  • Experience integrating Commercial off-the-shelf components to support Defense development programs.

  • Experience with rapid development programs integrating innovative technologies and designs.

  • Advanced briefing and writing skills.

  • Previous Special Access Program experience desired.

  • 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.

  • Progressive experience leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of high impact trade studies and other measures.

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

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

  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.

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:

This position requires current/active Secret with SCI eligibility 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.

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, and more.

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.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.