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:
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 - $197,608.50
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.
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.
