Systems Engineer ; Flight Operations – Flight Planning & Design

Sierra Space Careers

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission‑ready throughout space. We are mission‑driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

Within the Flight Operations organization, Flight Planning and Design is responsible for planning missions for the Dream Chaser program as well as supporting real‑time Dream Chaser mission operations. You will utilize custom flight design tools based in Free Flyer and Matlab to design the spacecraft trajectory to meet mission needs. Additionally, you will work closely with hardware and software engineers, flight science analysts, and other flight control disciplines to integrate products in the form of timelines, procedures, trajectories, attitudes, etc.

You will also complete training requirements and participate in training simulations on your path toward flight controller certification. Upon certification, you will provide real‑time mission support from our Mission Control Center (MCC) in Louisville, CO.

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space‑based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower—to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals while also meeting the minimum qualifications below.

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
• Typically entry‑level 0 - 2 years of experience.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Strong background in orbital mechanics or spacecraft attitude dynamics.
• Clear and concise communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability and willingness to learn new subjects and disciplines.
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Self‑starter and problem‑solver who is comfortable working in a fast‑paced and often‑changing environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure as part of a team.
• The ability to pass the flight controller certification and physical may be a condition of continued employment.
• Position based in Louisville, CO. Some shift work will be required during mission operations.

• MATLAB
• STK or Freeflyer
• Microsoft Office Tools
• Tool development including a GUI (in any coding language)
• Technical writing: detailed process documentation
• Strong foundation in Orbital Mechanics
• Strong foundation in Spacecraft Attitudes
• Some experience studying or working with Kalman Filters

Pay Range: $77,685.00 - $. 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.

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. 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 is an industry‑leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission‑proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space‑based assets and enable space exploration.

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.