Dream Chaser Flight Controller (Systems Engineer III)

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dream Chaser Flight Controller serves as the real-time systems engineer responsible for spacecraft subsystem operations during mission operations. Working from the Taylor Mission Control Center in Louisville, Colorado, the controller monitors spacecraft telemetry, executes procedures, commands spacecraft systems, and makes real-time technical decisions to support spacecraft health and mission success. The role represents an assigned console discipline—EPS, ECLS, PROP, INCO, AVIONICS, or MECH—within the integrated Flight Control Team and operates under the direction of the Flight Director. The controller analyzes system performance, troubleshoots anomalies, executes nominal and contingency procedures, and coordinates with Engineering Support Room personnel to resolve technical issues. During missions, the team provides 24/7 coverage through rotating 9-hour shifts. The role also supports pre-mission planning, participates in simulations to maintain proficiency and certification, and contributes to procedures, flight rules, and display pages. The position embodies Sierra Space’s seven Foundations of Flight Operations: Discipline, Competence, Confidence, Responsibility, Toughness, Teamwork, and Vigilance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems) or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.
Typically 2+ years of related experience in spacecraft systems, aerospace operations, aerospace test operations, or a related technical field.
Strong understanding of spacecraft systems engineering principles, including requirements management, system integration, verification and validation, and the systems development lifecycle.
Knowledge of spacecraft subsystem operations principles relevant to an assigned console discipline, such as power, thermal, propulsion, communications, avionics, or mechanical systems.
Ability to analyze complex technical data and make sound decisions under time pressure in dynamic, real-time operations environments.
Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to diverse audiences.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
High degree of rigor in executing procedures and documenting actions, with commitment to operational excellence and attention to detail.
Ability to work rotating 9-hour shifts for 24/7 mission coverage; on-site presence in Louisville, Colorado is required during missions.
Ability to pass and maintain FAA medical screening requirements through a certified Aviation Medical Examiner.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with spacecraft subsystems such as solar arrays, battery systems, power distribution, electrical protection, thermal control, atmosphere management, fluid systems, propulsion, RCS operations, propellant management, command and data handling, communications, onboard software, GN&C systems, flight computers, sensors, actuators, structures, mechanisms, deployment systems, or actuation systems.
Previous experience as a flight controller, mission controller, test conductor, or in another real-time operations role in space operations or aerospace test environments.
Experience with command and control systems such as InControl, or similar systems, and procedure execution platforms such as Epsilon3, or similar platforms.
Experience interpreting real-time telemetry, commanding spacecraft systems, and troubleshooting anomalies in operational environments.
Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their interfaces across power, thermal, propulsion, avionics, communications, and mechanical disciplines.
Knowledge of flight rules, operational limits, go/no-go decision processes, and mission operations protocols.
Experience developing operational procedures, console handbooks, flight rules, or training materials for mission operations.
Understanding of project management methodologies, including risk management and technical performance tracking.
Excellent troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills, including the ability to extrapolate beyond known scenarios and make educated decisions with incomplete information.
Composure and sound judgment in high-stress situations, and ability to adapt to fast-paced, dynamic, and ambiguous operational environments.
Commitment to the seven Foundations of Flight Operations: Discipline, Competence, Confidence, Responsibility, Toughness, Teamwork, and Vigilance.

Responsibilities

Monitor spacecraft telemetry and command assigned spacecraft subsystems during mission operations.
Execute nominal and contingency procedures using Epsilon3 and InControl systems.
Analyze telemetry trends and system performance to identify anomalies and support spacecraft health.
Communicate technical information clearly on Flight Control Team voice loops.
Review flight plans and develop console products in support of pre-mission planning.
Participate in simulations to maintain proficiency and certification.
Coordinate with other console positions on integrated system issues.
Provide go/no-go recommendations to the Flight Director.
Interface with Engineering Support Room Responsible Engineers to troubleshoot technical issues.
Develop procedures, flight rules, and display pages.
Investigate subsystem anomalies and develop corrective actions.
Provide rotating-shift coverage for 24/7 mission operations, including on-site presence in Louisville, Colorado during missions.