Principal Mission Architect

Sierra Space•Centennial, CO

5d•$173,748 - $238,904

About The Position

The Principal Mission Design & Analysis Engineer leads mission design via modeling, simulation and analysis. The Principal Mission Design & Analysis Engineer leads teams to define mission parameters and derive driving mission requirements as part of a novel spacecraft development. The Principal Mission Design & Analysis Engineer uses an experienced, nuanced understanding of mission objectives to produce relevant mission modeling and simulation data using analytical methods and mission level modeling and simulation techniques. They create constellation and system-of-systems models to evaluate mission performance parameters, developing novel tools of moderate complexity as required, then communicate those results to teammates and customers. The Principal Mission Design & Analysis Engineer maintains and updates the system performance models as required to verify and validate system performance throughout system development.

Requirements

Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +13 yrs experience).
Typically 15+ years of related experience (or Masters +13 yrs).
An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
Advanced expertise in mission design, mission modeling and simulation techniques, and mission analysis.
Advanced expertise in mission level objectives, requirements, and Design Reference Mission (DRM) development.
Demonstrated ability to derive requirements and design drivers from system modeling and simulation results.
Demonstrated ability to trade mission attributes to achieve design-to-cost and schedule constraints while maintaining mission objectives.
Robust knowledge of systems design, systems development, and technical risk identification and management strategies.
Extensive experience with common industry system & mission modeling tools and languages, such as STK, FreeFlyer, Cameo EA, SysML, Matlab, Python, or similar.
Exceptional analytical and computational skills.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.
Ability to lead teams to research, adapt, and/or develop mission analysis tools to solve novel problems.
Demonstrated experience with spacecraft systems and subsystems, space mission sensors, payloads, and ground systems.
Experience with electronic warfare, space domain awareness, electro-optical sensing, and mission communications.
Experience evaluating sensor or weapon system performance on space-based platforms.
Experience with DoD modeling environments (Brawler, Suppressor, AFSIM, EADSIM, ESAMS, etc).
Experience leading teams to achieve project results.
Familiarity with preparation and development of project estimates, technical proposals, and program cost and schedule management.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

Responsibilities

Lead the analysis, modeling, and simulation of system and system-of-systems performance parameters to drive constellation design, payload selections, and vehicle sizing.
Oversee system modeling efforts on large teams, including the collection and analysis of data related to mission design and system performance.
Develop novel modeling and analysis tools to produce relevant performance results as required.
Represent the mission viewpoint and present mission performance models and analysis results to the development team, customers, and executive leaders.
Lead analysis-based mission performance validation and verification efforts.
Assist in business development efforts by providing modeling and simulation data-driven recommendations on pursuits and architectures.
Contribute to the definition and implementation of corporate Mission Design and Engineering tools, policies, and processes.
Prepare detailed technical documentation and reports to communicate findings and support project objectives.
Work collaboratively with team members to achieve project goals and meet deadlines.
Communicate effectively with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive mission design and analysis products and ensure successful project outcomes.