Flight Operations Lead

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream
We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.
At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn't restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.
We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.
About the Role
Are you a bold thinker? We dream big at Sierra Space-advocating the exploration of space, keeping service members safe and creating the systems that keep our world united and sustain our way of living. Join our team! As a Systems Engineer, you will be using your skills and expertise to research, architect, model, simulate, test, certify and improve cutting edge products and services. You'll be developing complex system architectures within contextual modeling platforms, ushering them from operational concept through preliminary and detailed design, simulation, and test using progressive tools. As a cross-functional engineer, you are in charge of system-level ownership of new products and processes through the product lifecycle.
About You
Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream - to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly - to join us on this transformational journey.
We're looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
We are currently seeking a Flight Operations Lead to join our Operations team in support of the development and execution of SDA Tranche 2 Tacking Layer spacecraft missions as part of our contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA). As a vital part of our operations, you will play a pivotal role in the lifecycle management of spacecraft operations, including launch, commissioning, and mission sustainment.
The Flight Operations Lead is a leadership role within our Flight Operations organization. This role is responsible for the development and execution of operations throughout the entire spacecraft lifecycle. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

At Sierra Space we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. Sierra Space has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America's fastest-growing companies. Learn more about Sierra Space
Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

• Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps
• Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity
• Rarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)
• Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials
• Rarely exposed to loud noises

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
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.
Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.
Estimated Starting Salary Range:
$120,552.10 - $165,759.14
At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.
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.