Systems Engineer ; Flight Operations – Flight Planning & Design

About the Role

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 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.

• 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.
• Must pass the flight controller certification and, if required, the physical exam may be a condition of continued employment.
• Position based in Louisville, CO. Some shiftwork 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.

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 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.