Full-Time

Flight Operations Lead

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

1,001-5,000 employees

Develops space vehicles and stations

Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$120.6k - $165.8kAnnually

Senior, Expert

Centennial, CO, USA + 1 more

More locations: Broomfield, CO, USA

US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Flight Dynamics
Research & Development
Space & Rocket Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
Atlassian
JIRA
Confluence
Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experience
  • Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
  • Thorough understanding of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles
  • Willing and able to obtain TS/SCI level US government security clearance
  • Proficiency in mission operations, spacecraft commissioning, and payload or subsystem design.
  • Strong background in mission management, command and control, and mission data processing.
  • Knowledge of ground systems, terminals, and infrastructure.
  • Experience in mission integration, operations readiness, rehearsals, and launch support.
  • Familiarity with systems engineering processes, including requirements development and change management.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.
  • Additional experience in developing mission operations products and ground system artifacts.
  • Background in software, hardware engineering, integration, test engineering, or related disciplines.
  • Proficiency with simulation tools, test benches, or FlatSats.
  • Experience with Atlassian Tools such as Confluence and Jira.
  • Ability to train Spacecraft Engineers and Online Operations Engineers effectively.
  • Proficiency with Command and Control (C2) and mission planning software.
  • Experience with NASA and US government spacecraft and mission requirements.
  • Familiarity with commercial satellite communications networks and ground systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate requirements into design and to solve complex technical challenges.
  • A record of successful product and mission management.
  • A combined 10 years’ experience in spacecraft operations, mission profile design, and/or systems engineering.
  • Capacity to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced collaborative environment.
  • Active Secret or above security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the Mission Operations and Sustainment team with technical expertise and strong leadership qualities.
  • Manage mission operations requirements, including decomposition, allocation, verification, and validation.
  • Develop and validate mission operations products, tools, and operator training material.
  • Formulate comprehensive operational plans covering all mission phases, from pre-launch to mission conclusion.
  • Create and maintain a pre-launch simulation environment to verify operational procedures and subsystem functionality.
  • Plan spacecraft operations, including launch and on-orbit activities.
  • Guide rehearsals, test events, and early operations, while tracking technical progress.
  • Verify and validate mission operations through various testing methods and provide leadership and guidance within project teams.

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 for long-duration human spaceflight and scientific research. Their technology includes life support systems and propulsion technologies like the VORTEX engines, which are vital for safe and sustainable space missions. Unlike competitors, Sierra Space emphasizes versatility in its space vehicles and aims to support both government and commercial space activities. The company's goal is to enhance life on Earth and shape the future of humanity through space exploration.

Company Stage

Series B

Total Funding

$1.7B

Headquarters

Louisville, Colorado

Founded

2021

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

-4%

1 year growth

-3%

2 year growth

6%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Successful environmental testing of Dream Chaser indicates readiness for operational deployment.
  • AI integration in space threat detection enhances Sierra Space's leadership in satellite protection.
  • Promotion of Shawn Buckley accelerates development of commercial space stations.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from SpaceX and Blue Origin may impact market share.
  • Delays in Dream Chaser development could lead to financial losses.
  • Dependence on government contracts poses risk if funding priorities shift.

What makes Sierra Space unique

  • Dream Chaser spaceplane can land on conventional runways, enhancing versatility.
  • Sierra Space develops advanced life support and propulsion technologies like VORTEX engines.
  • Collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory on silicon-carbide-based thermal protection system.

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