Systems Engineer ; Flight Operations – Flight Planning & Design

About the Role

Within the Flight Operations organization, the Flight Planning and Design team is responsible for planning missions for the Dream Chaser program and supporting real‑time Dream Chaser mission operations. You will utilize custom flight design tools built on Free Flyer and MATLAB to design spacecraft trajectories to meet mission needs.

In addition, 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 the path toward flight controller certification. Upon certification, you will provide real‑time mission support from the Mission Control Center (MCC) in Louisville, CO.

Location:

Louisville, CO. Some shift work will be required during mission operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 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 comfortable working in a fast‑paced and often‑changing environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure as part of a team.
• Ability to pass flight controller certification and physical exam (may be a condition of continued employment).

• Experience with MATLAB, STK or Free Flyer.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Tool development including GUI in any coding language.
• Technical writing: detailed process documentation.
• Strong foundation in orbital mechanics and spacecraft attitudes.
• Experience studying or working with Kalman Filters.

Pay Range: $77,685.00 – $. Base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

We offer a generous benefits 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. 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.