Principal Mission Architect

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

The Principal Mission Architect leads the development and definition of mission architectures for novel spacecraft and space systems. They work across engineering, program, and customer teams to translate mission objectives into integrated mission concepts, system architectures, and driving technical requirements.

This role applies an experienced and nuanced understanding of mission objectives, spacecraft capabilities, operational concepts, and system-level constraints to develop and evaluate mission architectures and concepts of operations. They lead multidisciplinary teams through architecture development, system-level trade studies, performance assessments, and technical decision-making to identify solutions that satisfy mission objectives and program requirements.

They define mission-level requirements and interfaces, assess architectural alternatives and associated risks, and ensure alignment between mission objectives, spacecraft design, ground systems, operations, and broader system-of-systems considerations. Additionally, they communicate complex technical findings and recommendations to engineering teams, program leadership, customers, and other stakeholders, providing technical direction throughout the lifecycle of system development.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the analysis, modeling, and simulation of system and system-of-systems performance parameters to drive constellation design, payload selections, and vehicle sizing.

• Oversee system modeling efforts on large teams, including the collection and analysis of data related to mission design and system performance.

• Develop novel modeling and analysis tools to produce relevant performance results as required.

• Represent the mission viewpoint and present mission performance models and analysis results to the development team, customers, and executive leaders.

• Lead analysis-based mission performance validation and verification efforts.

• Assist in business development efforts by providing modeling and simulation data-driven recommendations on pursuits and architectures.

• Contribute to the definition and implementation of corporate Mission Design and Engineering tools, policies, and processes.

• Prepare detailed technical documentation and reports to communicate findings and support project objectives.

• Work collaboratively with team members to achieve project goals and meet deadlines.

• Communicate effectively with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive mission design and analysis products and ensure successful project outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +13 yrs experience).

• Typically 15+ years of related experience (or Masters +13 yrs).

• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance isrequired

• Advanced expertise in mission design, mission modeling and simulation techniques, and mission analysis.

• Advanced expertise in mission level objectives, requirements, and Design Reference Mission (DRM) development.

• Demonstrated ability to derive requirements and design drivers from system modeling and simulation results.

• Demonstrated ability to trade mission attributes to achieve design-to-cost and schedule constraints while maintaining mission objectives.

• Robust knowledge of systems design, systems development, and technical risk identification and management strategies.

• Extensive experience with common industry system & mission modeling tools and languages, such as STK, FreeFlyer, Cameo EA, SysML, Matlab, Python, or similar.

• Exceptional analytical and computational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
• Ability to lead teams to research, adapt, and/or develop mission analysis tools to solve novel problems.
• Demonstrated experience with spacecraft systems and subsystems, space mission sensors, payloads, and ground systems.
• Experience with electronic warfare, space domain awareness, electro-optical sensing, and mission communications.
• Experience evaluating sensor or weapon system performance on space-based platforms.
• Experience with DoD modeling environments (Brawler, Suppressor, AFSIM, EADSIM, ESAMS, etc).
• Experience leading teams to achieve project results.
• Familiarity with preparation and development of project estimates, technical proposals, and program cost and schedule management.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$173,748.00 - $238,903.50

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.