Your space-enabled career begins here

Space-based technologies are the building blocks of these pillars of innovation:

Search for credible job opportunities with top entrepreneurial space companies.

Systems Engineer (Sr and Principal)

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

Software Engineering
Louisville, CO, USA
Posted on Oct 31, 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

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experience

  • Related experience may be considered in lieu of required 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

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with and defining tests for spacecraft or other complex integrated products such as aircraft, ships, etc

  • Hands-on experience with hardware and proficiency with standard electrical test equipment

  • Experience working with communication subsystem or radio frequency (RF) components such as transceivers, RF front ends, etc.

  • Experience working with flight computer and decryption units

  • Experience in reviewing and analyzing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Software Design Description (SDD)

  • Familiarity with communication protocol such Mil-Std-1553, RS422, RS485, CAN, etc.

  • Experience in working with NASA, preferably in the ISS Joint Tests for the certification of a visiting vehicle’s software

  • Experience with design and implementation of various aspects of the test campaign

  • Ability to prepare complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports to demonstrate compliance to system requirements

  • Familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles and experienced in generation and disposition of product non-conformances

  • Experience with performing software and hardware tests for risk reduction events and verification of requirements

  • Experience with industry standard of scripting languages such as Python

  • Proven analytical and troubleshooting ability with software and hardware

  • Exposed to NASA’s space communication such as C2V2 and TDRSS

  • Excellent communications skills

  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry

Estimated Salary Ranges:

Sr - $120,552 - $ 165,759

Principal - $159,430 - $219,216

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.