Principal Systems Engineer

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 Role

The Principal Systems Engineer leads and drives the development and implementation of advanced system solutions by providing alignment, connection and direction to the technical team throughout the product development lifecycle. The Principal 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 Principal Systems Engineer is a strong promoter of Systems Engineering principles and has demonstrated expertise across the major systems engineering skills including requirements management, system architecture development, concept of operation definition, system integration and system verification. The Principal Systems Engineer leads teams to execute complex systems engineering scope and helps mentor and develop systems engineering skills in others. The Principal Systems Engineer is a thought leader in the systems engineering field and makes significant contributions to engineering initiatives and corporate strategy.

In this role, you will plan and drive multidisciplinary system development initiatives and architect comprehensive systems that integrate multiple subsystems. You will resolve conflicting system requirements and ensure alignment with project objectives while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives. Leading the derivation, decomposition, allocation, tracing, and management of system requirements and architectures will be a key responsibility, along with defining and documenting system concepts of operation. You will plan, define, and lead development milestone reviews, oversee system integration and verification activities to ensure system functionality and performance, and identify and manage technical risks while developing mitigation strategies. Additionally, you will contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for enhancement and help define and implement corporate Systems Engineering policies and processes. Effective communication with team members and stakeholders will be essential 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 (or Masters + 13 years of 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 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.
• Robust understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical performance tracking.
• Robust understanding of technical baseline and configuration management.
• Proven experience in leading major 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.
• Experience with Open Mission Systems (OMS) architectures and the Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI) messaging standard for component interoperability
• Experience with space-based networking architectures, communication protocols, and data link systems for satellite constellations
• Demonstrated experience with software system architecture, real-time embedded systems, and hardware-software integration
• Knowledge of instrumentation systems, sensor integration, telemetry processing, and test infrastructure for spacecraft systems
• Background in network protocols and standards relevant to space systems (e.g., CCSDS, DTN, TSPI)
• Experience with ground segment systems, mission operations centers, and data processing/distribution architectures
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and implementation for space systems and networks

Compensation :

Pay Range:

$173,748.00 - $238,903.50

Your 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 INFORMATION

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 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.

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.