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Systems Engineer II - (Flight Operations – Flight Planning & Design) Verified today

Sierra Space · Louisville, CO · Space Systems · first seen 2026-08-05

About the role

Sierra Space is seeking a Systems Engineer II to join the Flight Operations team supporting the Dream Chaser program. You will work on mission planning, mission analysis, and mission execution from Mission Control Center in Louisville, CO, with a path toward flight controller certification.

What you will do

Within Flight Planning and Design, you will:

  • Design spacecraft trajectories using custom flight design tools based in FreeFlyer and Matlab to meet mission needs
  • Conduct mission planning and analysis activities
  • Work closely with hardware and software engineers, flight science analysts, and other flight control disciplines to integrate mission products including timelines, procedures, trajectories, and attitudes
  • Complete training requirements and participate in training simulations on your path toward flight controller certification
  • Provide real-time mission support from Mission Control Center upon certification
  • Support Dream Chaser mission operations with some shiftwork required

Minimum qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree)
  • 0 to 2 years of experience (entry-level)
  • Strong background in orbital mechanics or spacecraft attitude dynamics
  • Highly organized and detail oriented
  • 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 in fast-paced, changing environments
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure as part of a team
  • Ability to pass flight controller certification and physical examination as a condition of continued employment

Preferred qualifications

  • MATLAB
  • STK or FreeFlyer
  • Microsoft Office Tools
  • Tool development including a GUI in any coding language
  • Technical writing and detailed process documentation
  • Strong foundation in orbital mechanics
  • Strong foundation in spacecraft attitudes
  • Experience studying or working with Kalman Filters

Compensation

Pay range: $94,090 to $129,394.75 per year. Actual base compensation determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans; 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%; life insurance; 3 weeks paid time off; and additional benefits.

Systems Engineer II Flight Planning at Sierra Space | Flight Proven Space