Sierra Space

Sierra Space

Dream Chaser ECLS Flight Controller

Louisville, CO

No sponsorship$119k-$164kDetected 30 days ago
CybersecurityProject ManagementRecruitingThermal AnalysisAvionicsSystems EngineeringMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringControlsCommunicationCollaborationThermodynamics

About the role

  • They represent the ECLS subsystem within the integrated Flight Control Team (FCT), working alongside 10 other console positions under the direction of the Flight Director.
  • During missions, ECLS provides 24/7 coverage through rotating 9-hour shifts, maintaining spacecraft thermal control and environmental systems.
  • This role embodies the seven Foundations of Flight Operations-Discipline, Competence, Confidence, Responsibility, Toughness, Teamwork, and Vigilance-and operates under the principle that "spaceflight will never tolerate carelessness, incapacity, and neglect."

Responsibilities

  • The ECLS (Environmental Control & Life Support) Flight Controller serves as the real-time systems engineer responsible for Dream Chaser spacecraft thermal management and environmental control systems during mission operations.
  • Developing ECLS procedures, flight rules, and display pages will be essential, and you will investigate thermal control system anomalies and develop corrective actions.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Security Clearance.
  • We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Requirements

  • Requires Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters + 3 years experience ).
  • Typically 5+ years of related experience in thermal systems, spacecraft operations, aerospace test operations, or related technical field (or Masters + 3 years of experience).
  • Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermal control system principles.
  • Knowledge of requirements management, system integration, verification/validation principles, and systems development lifecycle.
  • Ability to analyze complex technical data and make sound decisions under time pressure in dynamic, real-time operations environments.
  • ability to articulate technical issues to diverse audiences including Flight Director and Flight Control Team.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
  • High degree of rigor in executing procedures and documenting actions
  • U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.
  • We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below.

Nice to have

  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • Direct experience with spacecraft thermal control systems including active cooling, heat rejection, thermal loops, and environmental conditioning.
  • Previous experience as a flight controller, mission controller, test conductor, or real-time operations role in space operations or aerospace test environments
  • Experience with command and control systems (InControl or similar) and procedure execution platforms (Epsilon3 or similar).
  • Experience interpreting real-time telemetry, commanding spacecraft systems, and troubleshooting anomalies in operational environments.
  • Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their thermal interfaces (EPS, avionics, propulsion, mechanical systems).
  • Knowledge of flight rules, operational limits, go/no-go decision processes, and mission operations protocols.
  • Understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical performance tracking.

Compensation

  • $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.
  • 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.

Benefits

  • The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
  • 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.

Company info

  • Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security.

Equal opportunity

  • 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.
  • equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Security Clearance
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This listing is sourced directly from Sierra Space's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.