Sierra Space Flight Operations is seeking candidates with a strong background in spaceflight mission operations to serve as Flight Directors responsible for planning, directing and controlling the activities of a multi-discipline, integrated team in the execution of real-time Dream Chaser mission operations. The Flight Director role is critical to the success of the Dream Chaser program, responsible for ensuring crew safety and mission success throughout the entire mission. These roles require proven leadership, extensive expertise in mission operations and mission systems, and the ability to manage risk in a high stress, real-time environment.Sierra Space—based in Louisville, CO with operations in Madison, WI, Durham, NC, Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX, and Kennedy Space Center, FL—designs and manufactures the Dream Chaser spaceplane and other advanced spacecraft, commercial space destinations, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers, and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space Primary Responsibilities:Leading a team of flight controllers and making decisions which can have ultimate consequences for astronaut and public safety and protection of company assets, including the Dream Chaser spacecraft. Managing risk in designing and planning missions and resolving issues pre-flight and in real-time.Working closely with the Mission Manager to develop and evaluate mission objectives according to programmatic and contractual guidelines and constraints. Developing and executing mission plans according to programmatic mission requirements. Developing and enforcing flight rules to ensure crew and vehicle safety.Leading preparedness for joint International Space Station (ISS) missions through integrated development of mission products (procedures, flight rules, timelines, etc.) with the NASA ISS flight directors and flight control team.Making decisions during real-time spaceflight operations and manage spacecraft and ground resources to ensure crew and vehicle safety.Determining and implementing a course of action for off-nominal situations related to spacecraft operations, systems, dynamics, and ground systems to resolve malfunctions to ensure mission success.Working closely with Training Directors to ensure the successful training, certification and readiness of the flight control teams to support real-time spaceflight operations.All real-time mission operations will be conducted from the Dream Chaser Mission Control Center (DC-MCC) in Louisville, CO.All selected individuals will be considered Flight Director candidates until they have successfully completed certification, including coursework and training simulations.Employment is contingent on successfully completing a medical screening performed by a Sierra Space-contracted flight surgeon (FAA-certified Senior Aviation Medical Examiner).This role may also support other Sierra Space spaceflight programs as needed.Occasional travel will be required.Sierra Space job descriptions are meant as summarizations only. They do not necessarily reflect all duties and responsibilities of a position.Must-haves:Bachelor's of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experienceDemonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices Progressive experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teamsAdvanced understanding 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) principlesPreferred:Relevant spaceflight experience of typically 14 or more years. Higher education may be considered in lieu of experiencePrior experience with spaceflight operations, including mission planning and execution and/or mission training activitiesClear and concise communication skillsGo-getter; able to self-motivate with little directionAbility to rapidly work with minimal supervision on projects involving both small and large teamsStrong background in engineering fundamentals, and willing to learn new disciplinesAbility to explore multiple options, anticipate problems, and implement mitigationsAbility to decompose a large, complicated problem into manageable pieces, understand such problems from different points of view, and explain issues and solutions to other engineersPrior human spaceflight experience, preferably in leadership positions (flight/mission director, flight/increment lead for a given discipline, etc.)Strong technical writing skills, including technical review and operations product development experienceExperience in testing across multiple spacecraft systemsThe ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required Learn more about the background check process for Security ClearancesIMPORTANT NOTICE:To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products and services Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and stepsFrequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterityRarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs.Ability to pass and maintain a medical clearance via an examination administered by a certified flight surgeon.Working Conditions:Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materialsRarely exposed to loud noisesEstimated Starting Salary Range: $159,430.15 - $219,216.46. Sierra Space considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.
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