Senior Spacecraft Operations Systems Engineer

Sierra Space

. Lead the specification, architecting, and integration of complex system solutions .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeCentennial • Colorado • United StatesSenior💰 $143,700 - $197,609 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, with a strong focus on the systems development lifecycle, requirements management, and systems integration. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage technical risks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems Engineering PrinciplesRequirements ManagementSystems IntegrationModel Based Systems EngineeringProject Management Methodologies

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Systems Development LifecycleRequirements DerivationFunctional Requirements ParsingVerification and Validation (V&V)Systems Architecture Development

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingAttention to DetailCommunicationMentoringCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

DOORSCAMEO EARhapsodyMatlabSysML

Certifications & Qualifications

INCOSE Standards Certification

Industry Keywords

Spacecraft SystemsTechnical Performance TrackingConfiguration ManagementRisk ManagementTechnical Baseline

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the specification, architecting, and integration of complex system solutions
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives
Oversee derivation, decomposition, allocation, tracing, and management of system requirements and architectures
Define and document system concepts of operation
Lead development milestone reviews by creating artifacts and deliverables
Oversee system integration and verification activities to ensure system functionality and performance
Identify and manage technical risks and develop mitigation strategies
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for enhancement
Adhere to established engineering processes and standards
Communicate with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful execution
Lead systems engineering teams and develop systems thinking in others
Track performance measures and identify technical risks throughout the product development lifecycle

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree, or Master's degree plus 8 years of experience
Typically 10+ years of related experience, or Master's degree plus 8 years of experience
Expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including comprehensive understanding of the systems development lifecycle
Progressive experience across the system development lifecycle, including requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation
Progressive experience developing systems architecture and performing systems integration, verification, and validation (V&V) activities
Ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products
Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field preferred
Experience with Requirements Management and Model Based Systems Engineering tools and frameworks, such as DOORS, CAMEO EA, Rhapsody, Matlab, and SysML preferred
Understanding of spacecraft systems, including hardware and software subsystems and components preferred
Understanding of project management methodologies, including risk management and technical performance tracking preferred
Understanding of technical baseline and configuration management preferred
Experience leading projects and mentoring junior and mid-level engineers preferred
Experience or certification in INCOSE standards preferred
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail preferred
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment preferred

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
Collaborative work culture