Sierra Space jobs in 2026: Dream Chaser, programs, and what to expect
Sierra Space jobs in 2026: Dream Chaser, programs, and what to expect
Sierra Space is a privately held space company with approximately 1,500 employees, $1.7B in total funding, and a $5.3B valuation. The company is building Dream Chaser, the LIFE habitat, and partnering with Blue Origin on Orbital Reef.
Key programs
Dream Chaser (Tenacity) — First flight now targeted for Q4 2026. The mission plan changed: it will be a free-flyer demonstration with runway landing at Vandenberg SFB, rather than docking to the ISS. EMI/EMC testing, tow testing, and command/telemetry tests are complete.
LIFE Habitat — Three-story commercial habitation and science platform for low Earth orbit. Full-scale habitat testing is underway with a pathfinder demonstration mission targeted for 2026.
Orbital Reef — LEO commercial space station partnership with Blue Origin, targeted operational by 2027.
Salary ranges
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Systems Engineer | $118,000–$181,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $97,000–$156,000 |
| Engineering Technician | ~$73,000 |
| Director | ~$210,000 |
Locations
| Site | Focus |
|---|---|
| Louisville, CO | Headquarters |
| Broomfield, CO | "Power Station" — $45M solar module production, 70K sq ft, thermal vacuum + vibe testing |
| Durham, NC | Engineering |
| Madison, WI | Engineering |
| Merritt Island, FL | Dream Chaser processing (near KSC) |
Sierra Space laid off hundreds of employees in November 2023 (from ~2,000 to ~1,500) and an additional 165 in a separate workforce realignment. While $1.7B in funding provides runway, the company is pre-revenue and Dream Chaser has experienced multiple delays. Ask about program stability and funding timeline during interviews.
Browse Sierra Space positions on Zero G Talent, or see our Sierra Space careers guide.