Full-Time

Principal Systems Engineer

Mission Systems Architect

Posted on 4/14/2025

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

1,001-5,000 employees

Develops space vehicles and stations

No salary listed

Expert

Centennial, CO, USA

US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Research & Development
Space & Rocket Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Requirements
  • 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.
  • Ability to drive multidisciplinary system development initiatives, architect comprehensive systems integrating multiple sub-systems.
  • Advanced expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a comprehensive understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
  • Robust experience across multiple system development life cycles, including requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
  • Expertise in developing systems architecture and performing systems integration, verification and validation (V&V) activities.
  • Ability to contribute to corporate Systems Engineering policy and process definition and implementation.
  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.
  • An active Secret with ability to obtain TS/SCI U.S. Security Clearance is required.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and define the overall mission systems architecture, ensuring that the design meets operational requirements and mission objectives.
  • Plan and drive multidisciplinary system development initiatives and architect comprehensive systems integrating multiple sub-systems.
  • Resolve conflicting system requirements and ensure alignment with project objectives.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives.
  • Lead the derivation, decomposition, allocation, tracing and management of system requirements and architectures.
  • Define and document system concepts of operation.
  • Plan, define, and lead development milestone reviews.
  • Oversee system integration and verification activities to ensure system functionality and performance.
  • Identify and manage technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for enhancement.
  • Contribute to corporate Systems Engineering policy and process definition and implementation.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment.
Desired Qualifications
  • An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.
  • Demonstrated experience architecting within MBSE.
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Extensive experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and frameworks, such as DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab and SysML.
  • Experience integrating Commercial off-the-shelf components to support Defense development programs.
  • Experience with rapid development programs integrating innovative technologies and designs.
  • Knowledge of industry standard systems engineering and design principles, to include, but not limited to requirements management, Model Based System Engineering (MBSE).
  • Experience or certification in INCOSE standards.
  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
  • Experience leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of high impact trade studies and other measures.
  • Thorough understanding of establishing and tracking key Technical Performance Measurements (TPM).​
  • Demonstrated experience in developing design review deliverables, ensuring the appropriate level of detail is provided to meet project specifications and stakeholder requirements.
  • Ability to develop and understand space domain design reference missions, mission vignettes and system CONOPS.
  • Experience with System Architectures that enable variable levels of automation.
  • Thorough understanding of inter- and intra-subsystem interfaces, both logical and physical.

Sierra Space develops solutions for space exploration and development, focusing on aerospace and defense. The company creates advanced space vehicles, including the Dream Chaser spaceplane, which can land on conventional runways, making it suitable for transporting cargo and crew to and from space. Sierra Space is also working on space stations designed to support long-duration human spaceflight and scientific research. Their technology includes advanced life support systems and propulsion technologies like the VORTEX engines, which are vital for safe human space missions. Unlike many competitors, Sierra Space emphasizes versatility in its space vehicles and aims to generate revenue through government contracts, commercial partnerships, and sales of its products. The company's goal is to enhance life on Earth and influence the future of humanity through space exploration.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Series B

Total Funding

$1.7B

Headquarters

Louisville, Colorado

Founded

2021

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Partnership with NVIDIA improves space debris prediction and safety protocols.
  • New thermal protection system increases spacecraft durability and reusability.
  • Recognition by Fast Company boosts reputation and attracts potential partnerships.

What critics are saying

  • CEO resignation may impact strategic direction and operational efficiency.
  • Legal challenges could result in financial and reputational damage.
  • Delays in Artemis program may affect related contracts and revenue.

What makes Sierra Space unique

  • Dream Chaser spaceplane can land on conventional runways, enhancing versatility.
  • Sierra Space develops advanced life support and propulsion technologies for space missions.
  • Partnerships with NVIDIA and ORNL enhance technological capabilities and innovation.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

4%
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