Mission Operations and Controls Engineer​/Specialist: Orbital Analyst; Clearance Required

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Orbital Analyst to join our space operations team.

Responsibilities include continuously monitoring the position and velocity of artificial objects in Earth orbit or deep space, applying mathematical models and observational data to precisely calculate orbital parameters, predicting potential close approaches between objects and recommending necessary avoidance maneuvers, designing optimal trajectories for spacecraft launches, orbital transfers, and reentries, tracking and cataloging space debris to help prevent dangerous collisions, and assessing the risk of collision between various space objects.

The candidate will develop and use tools to perform precise orbit determination using specialized software tools. The role involves monitoring and analyzing spacecraft and satellite trajectories while supporting mission planning through trajectory design and optimization, including developing and using specialized software tools to perform precise orbit determination. A critical aspect of the position focuses on space safety, encompassing collision avoidance analysis and the development of mitigation strategies, maintaining space catalogs and applicable processes that enable mission execution, and generating detailed reports on conjunction events and close approaches.

The role requires close collaboration with flight operations mission teams to support spacecraft maneuver planning and ensure mission success. In this role, you will specify, architect, and integrate complex system solutions while collaborating with cross‑functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives.

• Requires bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master’s +3 yrs experience).
• Typically, 5+ years of related experience (or Masters + 3 years of experience).
• Emerging expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
• Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
• Knowledge of systems architecture, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.
• Emerging ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.
• Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

• Knowledge of spacecraft mission planning, scheduling, and orbit analysis.
• Experience with astrodynamics libraries, propagators, etc.
• Experience working commercial and/or government Space Domain Awareness programs.
• Extensive experience or education in orbital mechanics.
• Ability to script, C, C++, Python, JavaScript, Ruby or related programming experience.
• Experience with Government Cloud Architectures (Gov Cloud or others).
• Extensive experience or education in RPOD.
• Experience with C2 and TT&C Software Development.
• Full Stack Developer. Cloudera, Open Shift, Kubernetes experience; either on or working with software, Dev Sec Ops , etc teams.

Pay Range: $ - $. Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness.

This position requires current/active 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.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.