Dream Chaser Flight Operations – Flight Dynamics (Sr Systems Engineer)

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.

About the Role

Sierra Space is seeking a candidate with strong experience in spacecraft flight dynamics, mission design, and operations to join the Flight Operations team. In this role, you will work towards becoming a certified Dream Chaser flight controller to support Dream Chaser missions. You'll be responsible for mission planning, mission analysis, and mission execution from our Mission Control Center in Louisville, CO.

About You

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. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Sierra Space is based in Louisville CO with engineering offices in Madison WI, Durham, NC and Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Sierra Space designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space.

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 FreeFlyer to assess launch and deorbit opportunities, design the spacecraft trajectories, and perform ground-based navigation. 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.

Additionally, 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. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Mission analysis and design: As a subject matter expert, support the mission design process using the flight dynamics tool suite to perform trade studies and analysis to plan trajectories.
• Ground-based Navigation: Use your experience in ground-based navigation and statistical orbit determination processes, from conceptualization through operational flight support.
• Mentoring and Leadership: Help guide a flight dynamics team through design, development, and operational flight.
• Represent Flight Planning and Design: while collaborating across disciplines (e.g., GNC, systems engineering, flight operations) to integrate and validate mission design processes end-to-end.
• Develop Flight Dynamics Software: Participate in the development and validation of the Flight Dynamics Tool Suite as an end user.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace or related discipline) and typically 10+ years of relevant experience; a higher-level degree may substitute for experience
• Strong background in orbital mechanics and orbit determination
• Experience in performing spacecraft operations (e.g., navigation support, maneuver planning, or real-time anomaly resolution)
• Demonstrated ability to guide ground navigation trades and analysis, applying subject matter expertise in statistical orbit determination
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-starter, and problem-solver comfortable in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure as part of a team
• Willingness and ability to pass the flight controller certification and physical, which may be a condition of continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MATLAB or Python
• STK or Freeflyer
• Tool development including a GUI (In any coding language)
• Experience in spacecraft entry, descent and landing operations.
• Technical writing: detailed process documentation.
• Strong foundation in Spacecraft Attitudes

Additional Job Description:

Location: This is an on-site position based in Louisville, Colorado.

Hours: This is a full-time position. Some shiftwork will be required during mission operations.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$143,700.00 - $197,608.50

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.

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. 

 
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.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is 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.