
Dream Chaser Flight Controller (Systems Engineer III)
Compensation
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Job Description
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 a background in systems thinking and spaceflight operations to join the Flight Operations – Spacecraft Systems team. As a member of this team you will be working towards being a certified flight controller. You'll be responsible for mission planning, training, and execution of Dream Chaser mission operations from our Louisville, CO mission control center.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.
In this role, you will be responsible for integrating operational concepts and plans with design inputs, developing operations processes and products (including procedures, flight rules, timelines, telemetry displays, and more), developing training products (including lessons, reference materials, simulation scripts, and more), and real-time mission support in our Louisville, CO mission control center. Your work will ensure the success of the Dream Chaser mission.
The ideal candidate will have experience with various phases of mission planning, training, and operations, as well as the ability to work closely with spacecraft designers to translate the design into operations products. The candidate must also be able to maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, be energized by difficult challenges, and take initiative to organize work and get things done.
Preferred areas of operational specialization could include: communication systems and mechanical systems. Candidates with prior experience in any of these topic areas are encouraged to apply.
Occasional support of other Sierra Space programs may be required at times, given the skill set of the candidate.
Occasional travel may be required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +3 yrs experience).
- Typically 5+ years of related experience (or Masters + 3 years of experience).
- Emerging expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
- Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
- Knowledge of systems architecture, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.
- Emerging ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.
- Willingness to travel ocassionally.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience with real-time spaceflight operations
Prior experience with mission planning (ConOps, procedures, flight rules, etc.)
Prior experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required in the future.
Compensation:
Pay Range:
$119,064.00 - $163,713.00Your 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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
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.
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Job Details
- Category
- Aerospace Engineering
- Employment Type
- Contract
- Location
- Louisville, CO
- Posted
- Jan 19, 2026, 07:00 PM
- Listed
- Jan 20, 2026, 06:34 PM
- Compensation
- $119,064 - $163,713 per year
About Sierra Space
Part of the growing space industry ecosystem pushing humanity toward interplanetary exploration.
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