Manager, Mission Design – Analysis Engineering, Clearance Required

Sierra Space

. Lead and manage multiple mission design sections or teams .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeCentennial • Colorado • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $157,512 - $216,579 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in mission design and analysis, integrating technical leadership with systems engineering processes. Proven ability to manage budgets, optimize spacecraft trajectories, and communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mission Design LeadershipOrbital Mechanics ExpertiseMission Analysis Tools ProficiencyBudget Management ExperienceActive Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mission DesignTrajectory DesignSystems Engineering IntegrationTechnical Risk ManagementPerformance Analysis

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationCollaborationPeople ManagementPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

STKGMATFree FlyerCameo EASysMLMatlabPython

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringTop Secret U.S. Security ClearanceCurrent/Active Top Secret with SCI Eligibility

Industry Keywords

Space Mission ConceptsOrbital Debris MitigationPlanetary Protection RequirementsModel-Based Systems EngineeringDigital Engineering Initiatives

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage multiple mission design sections or teams
Provide technical leadership and direct supervision to mission design and analysis engineers
Define mission parameters and derive driving mission requirements for novel spacecraft developments
Model, simulate, and analyze system and system-of-systems performance parameters
Integrate mission design activities with systems engineering, requirements management, interface control, and verification and validation
Support system-level trade studies and alternatives analysis
Translate top-level mission requirements into trajectory, orbit, and performance requirements for subsystems
Collaborate with hardware and software engineering teams on spacecraft and ground system designs
Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks related to mission design and trajectory analysis
Establish and track mission-related technical performance measures
Develop and implement processes optimizing spacecraft trajectories, propellant usage, and mission timelines
Support digital engineering initiatives connecting mission design tools and data with systems engineering environments
Manage budgets for mission design projects, analysis tool investments, and computational resources
Communicate complex mission concepts to systems engineering, operations, and science stakeholders
Build collaborative relationships across organizational boundaries
Support organizational changes, new analysis methodologies, and simulation tools
Hold teams accountable to company values and technical standards

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree
Typically 8+ years of relevant work experience in mission design and analysis
Minimum of 3 years of experience in a managerial or leadership role
Comprehensive knowledge of orbital mechanics, trajectory design, mission analysis techniques, and space mission concepts
Experience with mission design and analysis tools such as STK, GMAT, Free Flyer, Cameo EA, SysML, Matlab, and Python
Demonstrated ability to integrate mission design activities with broader systems engineering processes
Knowledge of systems engineering standards such as NASA/SP-2016-6105 and INCOSE SE Handbook
Proven experience translating mission requirements into operational plans and procedures
Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and resources
People management experience
Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance required
Current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance required
U.S. Citizenship required
Preferred: Master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or related field
Preferred: Experience managing mission design teams supporting spacecraft and launch vehicle programs
Preferred: Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to space operations, orbital debris mitigation, and planetary protection requirements
Preferred: Experience with requirements management, interface control, and verification & validation processes
Preferred: Demonstrated success in technical risk identification and management
Preferred: Experience supporting system-level trade studies and cost-benefit analysis
Preferred: Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approaches and digital engineering initiatives
Preferred: Experience with spacecraft systems and subsystems, space mission sensors, payloads, and ground systems
Preferred: Experience with DoD modeling environments
Preferred: Strong understanding of electronic warfare, space domain awareness, electro-optical sensing, and mission communications
Preferred: Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and program cost and schedule management
Preferred: Track record of building and developing high-performing technical teams
Preferred: Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and implement organizational changes
Preferred: Proven ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries and build strong stakeholder relationships

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision plans
401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
Life insurance
3 weeks paid time off
Personal and professional development opportunities
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities