Mission Operations and Controls Engineer/Specialist: Orbital Analyst (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space Careers: At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team. About the Role We are seeking a skilled Orbital Analyst to join our space operations team. The successful candidate will be responsible for continuously monitoring the position and velocity of artificial objects in Earth orbit or deep space, applying mathematical models and observational data to precisely calculate orbital parameters, predicting potential close approaches between objects and recommending necessary avoidance maneuvers, designing optimal trajectories for spacecraft launches, orbital transfers, and reentries, tracking and cataloging space debris to help prevent dangerous collisions, and assessing the risk of collision between various space objects. The candidate will develop and use tools to perform precise orbit determination using specialized software tools. Ability to quickly connect in-person and in writing, and to actively listen and perceive the needs, values or opinions of others. Proactivity in identifying and addressing challenges to include innovations that result in positive organizational impact. The role involves monitoring and analyzing spacecraft and satellite trajectories while supporting mission planning through trajectory design and optimization, including developing and using specialized software tools to perform precise orbit determination. A critical aspect of the position focuses on space safety, encompassing collision avoidance analysis and the development of mitigation strategies, maintaining space catalogs and applicable processes that enable mission execution, and generating detailed reports on conjunction events and close approaches. The role requires close collaboration with flight operations mission teams to support spacecraft maneuver planning and ensure mission success. In this role, you will specify, architect, and integrate complex system solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives. You will derive, decompose, allocate, trace, and manage system requirements and architectures, as well as define and document system concepts of operation. Supporting 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 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: Requires bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master’s +3 yrs experience). Typically, 5+ years of related experience (or Masters + 3 years of experience). Emerging expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the systems development lifecycle. Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation. Knowledge of systems architecture, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles. Emerging ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of spacecraft mission planning, scheduling, and orbit analysis. Experience with astrodynamics libraries, propagators, etc. Experience working commercial and/or government Space Domain Awareness programs. Extensive experience or education in orbital mechanics. Ability to script, C, C++, Python, JavaScript, Ruby or related programming experience. Experience with Government Cloud Architectures (GovCloud or others). Extensive experience or education in RPOD. Experience with C2 and TT&C Software Development. Full Stack Developer. Cloudera, OpenShift, Kubernetes experience; either on or working with software, DevSecOps, etc teams. Compensation: Pay Range: $119,064.00 - $163,713.00 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. 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. 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. Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration. Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is 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. About Sierra Space Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.