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 RoleThe Systems Engineer III contributes to the development and implementation of advanced system solutions by providing alignment, connection and direction to the technical team throughout the product development lifecycle. The Systems Engineer III represents the viewpoint of the integrated whole during system development and works to glue segments and subsystems together via top-down decomposition of stakeholder requirements, traceability through development artifacts, and bottom-up validation and verification of the system. They help to shepherd the team through technical development milestones, track performance measures and identify technical risks to arrive at a compliant and cohesive system solution. The Systems Engineer III is an emerging leader in Systems Engineering principles and is proficient in the majority of systems engineering skills including requirements management, system architecture development, concept of operation definition, system integration and system verification. The Systems Engineer III may lead small teams to execute systems engineering scope.In this role, you will specify, architect, and integrate complex system solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives. You will derive, decompose, allocate, trace, and manage system requirements and architectures, as well as define and document system concepts of operation. Supporting development milestone reviews by creating artifacts and deliverables will be a key responsibility, alongside overseeing system integration and verification activities to ensure system functionality and performance. You will identify and manage technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for enhancement. Adhering to established engineering processes and standards will be essential, and you will communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful execution.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.
Ground Systems:
Design and maintain ground system architectures including mission operations centers, ground data systems, ground communication networks, and interfaces with launch site infrastructure and tracking stations
Develop ground software and tools for vehicle monitoring, telemetry processing, command & control, and support pre-launch checkout, mission simulations, and ground rehearsals
Coordinate ground segment integration with flight systems and ensure end-to-end operational readiness
Varying scope by level:
SE II focuses on subsystem-level tasks and test support;
SE III owns segment integration and anomaly resolution;
Sr SE defines architecture and leads cross-functional ground system initiatives
Requirements & Verifications:
Derive, decompose, and manage technical requirements from stakeholder needs through system, subsystem, and component levels; manage requirements baseline changes and impact assessments across the product lifecycle
Develop verification and validation strategies including analysis, inspection, demonstration, and test methods; author verification procedures, test plans, and acceptance criteria aligned to requirements traceability
Lead requirements reviews, trade studies, and technical audits to ensure completeness, consistency, and compliance
Varying scope by level:
SE II executes verification activities and documents results;
SE III leads V&V planning and closure;
Sr SE owns requirements architecture and approval authority for complex changes
Space Vehicle Integration:
Plan and execute hardware and software integration activities for spacecraft buses, payloads, and subsystems; coordinate interface control documents (ICDs) and manage technical interfaces across vehicle elements
Support integration and test campaigns including functional checkout, environmental testing, and system-level qualification; resolve integration anomalies and troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software domains
Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and mission assurance teams to ensure flight readiness
Varying scope by level:
SE II supports hands-on integration tasks and test readiness;
SE III leads integration planning and anomaly resolution;
Sr SE defines integration strategy and owns vehicle-level technical risk
- Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +3 yrs experience).
- Typically 5+ years of related experience (or Masters + 3 years of experience).
- Emerging expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
- Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
- Knowledge of systems architecture, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.
- Emerging ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.
An active Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
- Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- Robust experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and frameworks, such as DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab, and SysML.
- Solid understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components.
- Solid understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical performance tracking.
- Solid understanding of technical baseline and configuration management.
- Experience in leading projects and mentoring junior engineers.
- Experience or certification in INCOSE standards.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
Compensation:
Pay Range:
$119,064.00 - $163,713.00Your 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.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
- Typically 5+ years of related systems engineering experience (or MS + 3 years)
- Emerging expertise in Systems Engineering principles and lifecycle
- Knowledge of requirements management, derivation, allocation, and baseline change impact
- Knowledge of systems architecture, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V)
- Ability to work and communicate with technical and subject matter experts
- Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance
- U.S. Citizenship (required for active security clearance)
- Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field
- Experience with Requirements Management and MBSE tools such as DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab, and SysML
- Solid understanding of spacecraft systems, hardware and software subsystems
- Familiarity with project management, risk management, and technical performance tracking
- Experience with technical baseline and configuration management
- Experience leading projects and mentoring junior engineers
- Experience or certification in INCOSE standards
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
What the Team is Saying
Sierra Space Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — A 150% 401(k) match—often cited up to 6% of pay and sometimes up to 8%—is repeatedly described across current postings and benefits materials. HSA eligibility with company contributions for HDHP participants further strengthens long‑term savings support.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage are consistently included as part of a generous package, alongside life and disability insurance and HSA/FSA options. Wellness resources such as mental health support, an EAP, and onsite gym access in some locations broaden the health offering.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Annual incentive pay and performance bonuses appear in total‑rewards descriptions, with relocation assistance available for certain roles. Tuition assistance and professional development (mentorship, training, online courses) reinforce growth‑oriented rewards.
Sierra Space Insights
What We Do
Securing The Freedom of Operations Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.
Why Work With Us
At Sierra Space, you’ll find a supportive, respectful and upbeat culture where your opinions matter and your personal contributions have impact. If you’re thinking about your own next frontier, we’d love to help you explore it.
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