Manager, Systems Engineering (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space Corporation$157K — $216K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field, or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant systems engineering experience
  • At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or management role
  • Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering principles including requirements management and verification & validation
  • Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., MBSE, SysML, DOORS)
  • Excellent communication skills for diverse stakeholder engagement
  • An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of systems engineers and training professionals
  • Develop and integrate operational procedures and training programs for spacecraft missions
  • Manage resources and budgets while collaborating across teams
  • Oversee the development and updates of operations handbooks and training curricula
  • Conduct flight readiness reviews and mission simulations
  • Identify and mitigate operational risks, establishing performance measures
  • Collaborate with technical teams to ensure operational constraints are incorporated

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs
  • Flexible work arrangements and work-life balance initiatives
  • Opportunities for professional development and certifications
  • Engagement in innovative space-based technology projects
  • Strong emphasis on teamwork and collaborative culture
Full Job Description
About the Role
The Manager, Systems Engineering leads a team of systems engineers, operations specialists, and training professionals responsible for developing operational procedures, executing mission operations, and ensuring crew and ground team readiness for novel spacecraft programs. This role provides technical leadership and people management for teams who plan, execute, and support real-time mission operations while developing comprehensive training programs that prepare personnel for nominal and off-nominal scenarios. The Manager ensures all activities are properly integrated with broader systems engineering processes, mission design constraints, requirements management, and verification & validation efforts, while managing resources and budgets and collaborating across organizational boundaries.

The Manager leads multiple operations and training teams, providing direct supervision to operations planners, training specialists, systems engineers, and instructors supporting various spacecraft projects. This role integrates mission operations and training activities with broader systems engineering processes-including requirements management, interface control, verification & validation, and digital engineering initiatives-while translating top-level mission requirements into executable operational procedures, console configurations, ground system requirements, and comprehensive training programs. The Manager is responsible for the development and updates to operations handbooks, contingency procedures, mission rules, training curricula, certification requirements, and assessments, while leading flight readiness reviews, mission simulations, and real-time execution support across multiple concurrent programs. Responsibilities include identifying and mitigating operational risks, establishing technical performance measures, leading anomaly investigations, safety assessments, and ensuring compliance with customer-specific requirements. The Manager collaborates with spacecraft, ground, and systems engineering teams to ensure operational constraints and crew interface requirements are properly incorporated into operational designs, while providing operations feedback that informs design trades and system requirements. This leader exercises financial acumen by managing budgets for operations activities, training programs, simulation infrastructure, and console systems, coordinates cross-program resources and best practices, and builds a culture of operational excellence through effective communication of complex operational concepts to diverse stakeholders and mentorship that fosters continuous improvement and mission success.

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:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field, or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant systems engineering experience.
  • At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or management role.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of systems engineering principles including requirements management, system architecture, interface control, verification and validation.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply systems engineering practices across complex technical systems.
  • Experience managing systems engineering teams and providing direct supervision to requirements engineers, system architects, and integration engineers.
  • Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., MBSE, SysML, DOORS) for requirements traceability, functional analysis, and trade studies.
  • Demonstrated ability to guide teams through technical challenges and trade-off decisions.
  • Experience managing budgets, resource allocations, and making risk-informed decisions balancing technical, schedule, and cost constraint.
  • Excellent communication skills with ability to effectively communicate complex systems concepts to diverse stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage relationships with internal customers, external suppliers, and program management.
  • An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional certification such as INCOSE CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional).
  • Knowledge of industry standards and regulations including ISO/IEC 15288, INCOSE practices, and domain-specific standard.
  • Experience implementing digital engineering transformation initiatives and digital thread concepts.
  • Understanding of agile and hybrid development methodologies as applied to systems engineering.
  • Experience mentoring and developing systems engineers at various career stage.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing systems engineering processes throughout the system lifecycle.
  • Ability to translate systems engineering functional plans into operational plans and methodologies.
  • Financial acumen and experience managing systems engineering budgets and tool investments across multiple projects.
  • Experience fostering cross-functional collaboration and supporting organizational change initiatives.
  • Track record of continuous improvement in systems engineering practices.
  • Demonstrated commitment to company values and ability to hold teams accountable to professional standards.


Compensation:

Pay Range:
$157,512.00 - $216,579.00

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 NOTICE:

This position requires current/active Top 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.

About Sierra Space Corporation

Sierra Space Corporation Careers

Joining Sierra Space Corporation presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team of professionals dedicated to pioneering innovations in the aerospace sector. As one of the most forward-thinking companies in space technology, Sierra Space Corporation offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a spectrum of skills and experiences.

Explore Career Opportunities

Sierra Space Corporation is actively hiring, seeking individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to groundbreaking projects. With a commitment to diversity and leadership development, the company fosters an environment where all employees can thrive.

Professional Growth and Development

At Sierra Space Corporation, career growth is a cornerstone of their employment philosophy. Professionals at all levels are encouraged to engage in continuous learning, leadership training, and professional development workshops, ensuring that their career trajectory is always ascending.

Innovative Work Environment

Innovation is at the heart of Sierra Space Corporation. The team is tasked with developing advanced technologies that redefine possibilities in space exploration and satellite technology. Employees are encouraged to bring creative solutions and innovative thinking to the table every day.

Internship Programs

For students and recent graduates, Sierra Space Corporation offers robust internship programs that provide hands-on experience in aerospace technology and business operations. Internships are a gateway to full-time employment and a great way to build a resume while learning from seasoned professionals.

Benefits and Company Culture

Sierra Space Corporation is renowned for its inclusive culture and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of every team member. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as unique perks like flexible working conditions and family leave options.

Networking and Professional Connections

The company places a high value on networking, providing numerous opportunities for employees to connect with industry leaders and innovators. Through events, seminars, and collaborative projects, team members can build valuable relationships that enhance their careers and personal growth.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is more than just a policy at Sierra Space Corporation; it is an integral part of the company's identity. Inclusive hiring practices and diversity training ensure a workplace where everyone’s contributions are valued and where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at Sierra Space Corporation, prospective candidates should prepare their resumes to highlight relevant experience and skills. The interview process is designed to assess not only expertise but also a fit with the company’s culture and values. Job seekers can explore available positions and submit applications through the Sierra Space Corporation careers page.

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Join the Sierra Space Corporation Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. Sierra Space Corporation looks for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Sierra Space Corporation.

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