engineer

Launch Vehicle Mission Integrator (Contractor) full_time

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.  

 

At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn’t restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.  

We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

Are you a bold thinker? Sierra Space is looking for a Launch Vehicle/Mission Integrator to support the SDA Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program. In this role, you will lead the development of the Launch Interface Requirements Document (LV IRD) and ensure seamless integration between the Space Vehicle (SV) and Launch Vehicle (LV). You’ll coordinate pre-launch requirements, develop an integration management plan, and track all activities essential to launch base testing and compliance. This role is critical to achieving successful SV-to-LV integration, requiring expertise in launch vehicle systems, interface specifications, and coordination with LV providers.

Responsibilities 

  • Launch Interface Requirements Document (LV IRD) Development: Create a comprehensive LV IRD, aligning with program requirements and ensuring compliance with LV provider specifications. 

  • Requirements Coordination: Identify and coordinate pre-launch requirements for the Space Vehicle (SV) to ensure alignment with System Performance Requirements Document (SPRD) and Standard Interface Specification (SIS). 

  • Integration Management Plan: Develop and deliver a management plan and integration schedule to oversee all launch integration activities. 

  • Launch Base Test Procedures: Prepare and deliver test procedures for launch base operations, tracking all activities and ensuring readiness for launch. 

  • Collaboration with LV Provider: Work closely with the launch vehicle provider to ensure compliance and facilitate effective communication for integration requirements. 

  • Design Team Collaboration: Coordinate with the design and integration teams to ensure successful SV-to-LV integration and resolve any technical challenges. 

About You 

Our mission is driven by a passion to push boundaries. We seek those who Dare to Dream—to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly—to join us on this transformational journey. 

We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision, and audacious goals—while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement. 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 6 or more years of relevant experience

  • Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices

  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams

  • Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles

  • An active Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Strongly Preferred Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field, with typically 8+ years of experience in launch vehicle integration or related roles. 

  • Proven experience with launch vehicle systems and understanding of System Performance Requirements Documents (SPRD) and Standard Interface Specifications (SIS). 

  • Familiarity with EELV Rideshare User Guides and industry standards for launch integration. 

  • Strong project management skills, with experience in coordinating pre-launch requirements and tracking integration schedules. 

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and external launch vehicle providers. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. 

  • Prior experience in a certification or integration role for government or defense programs. 

  • Proficiency with project management and tracking tools. 

  • Ability to manage complex, multi-phase projects and to work effectively within cross-functional teams. 

At Sierra Space we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. Sierra Space has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Learn more about Sierra Space

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

  • Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps

  • Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity

  • Rarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:

  • Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)

  • Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials

  • Rarely exposed to loud noises

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires current/active 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.

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates are identified.

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.

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