Sr Systems Engineer (Clearance Required)

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 RoleThe Sr Systems Engineer 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 Sr Systems Engineer champions 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 shepherd the team through technical development milestones, track performance measures and identify technical risks to arrive at a compliant and cohesive system solution. The Sr Systems Engineer is a promoter of Systems Engineering principles and has expertise across the major systems engineering skills including requirements management, system architecture development, concept of operation definition, system integration and system verification. The Sr Systems Engineer leads teams to execute systems engineering scope and helps to develop systems thinking in others. In this role, you will lead the specification, architecting, and integration of complex system solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives. You will oversee the derivation, decomposition, allocation, tracing, and management of system requirements and architectures, as well as define and document system concepts of operation. Leading 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 YouOur 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 Minimum Qualifications:Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +8 yrs experience).Typically 10+ years of related experience (or Masters + 8 years of experience).Demonstrated expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a comprehensive understanding of the systems development lifecycle.Progressive experience across the system development lifecycle, including requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.Progressive experience developing systems architecture and performing systems integration, verification, and validation (V&V) activities.Demonstrated 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 Preferred Qualifications: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.Strong understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components.Strong understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical performance tracking.Strong understanding of technical baseline and configuration management.Proven experience in leading projects and mentoring junior and mid-level 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:$143,700.00 - $197,608.50Your 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.IMPORTANT NOTICE:This position requires current/active 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 CareerAt 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.SummaryLocation: Centennial, CO; Louisville, COType: Full time