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Systems Engineer (System Autonomy and Fault Management)

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

Software Engineering
Multiple locations
Posted on Oct 26, 2024

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

Come be a part of an amazing team designing system automation and fault management for the Dream Chaser Spaceplane! In this role, you will be directly responsible for designing the vehicle autonomy, automation, and fault management. We are truly One Team, with One Dream. Come make history with us.

This position supports the Dream Chaser Software Systems team, with focus on System Autonomy and Fault Management (SAFM) through the following:

  • Design Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) for subsystems and systems while following multiple constraints and guidelines

  • Produce the necessary documentation to support peer and engineering review board approval

  • Synchronize products across multiple FSW and program teams to ensure consistent build products

  • Collaborate with subsystem cognizant engineers and multiple stakeholders through Integrated Product Teams to identify flight-like fault injections

  • Support the creation of flight-like scenarios that realistically simulate the various mission phases for testing and verification of CMAS

  • Perform hardware/software integration with flight software development

  • Perform requirement specification verification tasks

  • Create post-processing tools to automate processes, reviews, and data validation or verification

  • Support AI&T and Flight Operations during testing, mission simulation, and mission execution

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 6 or more years of relevant experience

  • Related experience may be considered in lieu of required education

  • Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices

  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams

  • Knowledge 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


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Technical leadership experience

  • Experience developing fault detection and isolation designs

  • Test data analysis and root-cause analysis experience

  • Excellent communications skills

  • Experience working with Integrated Product Teams that include stakeholders from multiple spacecraft disciplines

  • Knowledge of spacecraft systems and fault management

  • Understand spacecraft autonomy concepts including the creation of command sequences that execute on-board a spacecraft

  • Experience writing test cases and test scripts

  • Experience with: C/C++, Python, configuration management (e.g. - Subversion, Windchill), and test data reduction/review concepts

  • Understand spacecraft hardware channelization, telemetry generation, and data latencies

  • Understand peer review processes (e.g. - Jira)

  • Exposure to requirements management and verification

  • Experience with proper precautions for interacting and using space flight-equivalent and flight-use hardware

  • Experience working with NASA; preferably human spaceflight programs

  • Experience with flight operations

Estimated Salary Ranges:

Level III - $104,827 - $144,138

Sr - $120,552 - $165,759

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:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

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, tuition reimbursement, and more.

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 are 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.