📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr Systems Engineer
Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Location: Lone Tree, Colorado, United States (Remote/Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: May 12, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: Hybrid (Lone Tree, CO - CO_RMS; Lone Tree, CO; Plano, TX)

🚀 Role Summary

Lead complex systems engineering projects for the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, integrate, test, certify, and improve cutting-edge ISR and aviation systems.
Develop and maintain complex system architectures within contextual modeling platforms, from operational concept through detailed design, simulation, and test.
Manage system-level ownership of new products and processes throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on systems engineering for critical national security missions, requiring a strong background in engineering principles, multi-disciplinary team collaboration, and a commitment to national security.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Systems Architecture & Design: Develop and maintain complex system architectures using progressive tools and methodologies.
Requirements Management: Parse, derive, and allocate functional requirements, ensuring system-level needs are met.
System Integration & Testing: Integrate and test systems, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and usability requirements.
Risk Management: Identify and manage technical risks associated with system design, development, and deployment.
Verification & Validation (V&V): Ensure systems meet specified requirements through progressive testing and validation methods.
Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical designers, software developers, and project managers, to ensure system-level needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of systems engineering principles, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's of Science degree in System Engineering or a related discipline. Higher education may substitute for relevant experience.

Experience: Typically 10 or more years of relevant experience in systems engineering, with a strong background in requirements management, systems design, and integration.

Required Skills:

Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices
Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
Thorough understanding of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation
Systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification, and management strategies
Verification and Validation (V&V) principles

Preferred Skills:

Advanced experience with requirements management and system modeling tools (DOORS, Rhapsody, NoMagic, MATLAB)
Knowledge of industry standard mechanical design principles and Model Based System Engineering (MBSE)
Experience or certification in INCOSE standards
Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
Experience leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting
Thorough understanding of establishing and tracking key Technical Performance Measurements (TPM)

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in the aerospace and defense industry, familiarity with INCOSE standards, and a strong background in leading complex development projects are highly sought after for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of systems engineering principles through relevant projects and case studies.
Showcase experience in requirements management, system design, integration, and testing.
Highlight technical leadership skills and the ability to manage complex projects and teams.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of past projects, including requirements management, system design, and testing processes.
Include any relevant certifications or training in systems engineering, such as INCOSE certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: A well-curated portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, technical leadership skills, and experience in complex project management is crucial for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $143,487.14 - $197,294.82 per year (Estimated, based on provided range and industry standards for Systems Engineers with 10+ years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry)

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
Life Insurance
3 Weeks Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Additional benefits, including annual incentive pay based on performance

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely (Hybrid)

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is estimated based on industry standards for Systems Engineers with 10+ years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and education.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace and Defense, focusing on Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) and aviation systems.

Company Size: Medium to Large (Approximately 3,000 employees)

Founded: 1963 (As Sierra Nevada Corporation; acquired by Spirit AeroSystems in 2021)

Team Structure:

Multi-disciplinary teams consisting of systems engineers, mechanical designers, software developers, and project managers.
Flat hierarchy with a strong focus on collaboration and cross-functional communication.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development and project management.
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for system design and development.
Progressive testing and validation methods for system-level integration and verification.

Company Website: Sierra Nevada Corporation

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation is a leading provider of ISR and aviation systems, with a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Engineering Career Level: Senior Systems Engineer, responsible for leading complex systems engineering projects and providing technical guidance to team members.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Senior Manager or Director of Systems Engineering, depending on the organization's structure.

Technical Impact: Systems Engineers in this role have a significant impact on the design, development, and deployment of critical ISR and aviation systems, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and usability requirements.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand expertise in systems engineering, including advanced requirements management, system modeling, and MBSE.
Leadership Development: Develop leadership skills through mentoring, coaching, and project management opportunities.
Architecture & Design: Specialize in system architecture and design, focusing on complex systems and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for technical and leadership development, with the potential to advance to senior management or technical leadership positions within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with the option to work remotely from various locations, including Lone Tree, CO - CO_RMS; Lone Tree, CO; and Plano, TX.

Office Location(s):

Lone Tree, CO - CO_RMS
Lone Tree, CO
Plano, TX

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspaces with access to relevant tools, software, and resources for systems engineering tasks.
Multi-disciplinary teams with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely (Hybrid)

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at Sierra Nevada Corporation offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing systems engineers to work effectively from various locations.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Screening: A brief phone or video call to assess communication skills, technical background, and cultural fit.
Technical Assessment: A comprehensive technical assessment, focusing on systems engineering principles, requirements management, and system design.
On-site/Video Interview: An on-site or video interview with key stakeholders, including senior management and team members, to discuss the role, company culture, and technical expectations.
Final Decision: A final decision based on the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the organization's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant projects and case studies that demonstrate a strong understanding of systems engineering principles.
Include detailed documentation of requirements management, system design, and testing processes.
Showcase technical leadership skills and the ability to manage complex projects and teams.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on systems engineering principles, requirements management, and system design.
Familiarize yourself with the company's products, services, and mission.
Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Systems Design, Systems Integration, Technical Risk Management, Verification and Validation, Model Based System Engineering, Mechanical Design Principles, Aerospace Industry Knowledge, Leadership, Trade Studies, Technical Performance Measurements, INCOSE Standards, Agile/Scrum Methodologies, MBSE, Hybrid Work Environment, Remote Work, Flexible Hours, Collaboration, Cross-Functional Teams, National Security, ISR, Aviation Systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the organization's mission and values. A well-prepared portfolio and a strong understanding of systems engineering principles are crucial for success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

Requirements management tools (DOORS, Rhapsody, NoMagic, MATLAB)
System modeling and simulation tools (SysML, UML, Modelica)
Progressive testing and validation tools (JIRA, TestRail, Jama Connect)
Collaboration and communication tools (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Slack)

Aerospace & Defense Industry Standards:

INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) standards and best practices
Aerospace and defense industry-specific standards and regulations

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with industry-standard systems engineering tools, methodologies, and best practices is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Systems Engineering Values:

Innovation: Pursue continuous improvement and the adoption of emerging technologies.
Collaboration: Foster a culture of cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Quality: Maintain a strong commitment to quality, reliability, and usability in all systems engineering activities.
Customer Focus: Understand and address customer needs, ensuring systems meet performance, reliability, and usability requirements.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with mechanical designers, software developers, and project managers to ensure system-level needs are met.
Code Review Culture: Encourage peer review and feedback to improve systems engineering processes and outcomes.
Knowledge Sharing: Foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, with regular training and development opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer focus, with a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement in systems engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Complex Systems Integration: Manage the integration of complex systems, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and usability requirements.
Emerging Technologies: Stay current with emerging technologies and their potential impact on ISR and aviation systems.
National Security: Ensure systems meet national security requirements and comply with relevant regulations and standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand expertise in systems engineering, including advanced requirements management, system modeling, and MBSE.
Leadership Development: Develop leadership skills through mentoring, coaching, and project management opportunities.
Architecture & Design: Specialize in system architecture and design, focusing on complex systems and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical and leadership development opportunities, with the potential to advance to senior management or technical leadership positions within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering Principles: Demonstrate a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, requirements management, and system design.
Aerospace & Defense Industry: Showcase knowledge of the aerospace and defense industry, including relevant standards, regulations, and best practices.
Problem-Solving: Present practical examples of problem-solving in complex systems engineering scenarios.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Mission: Explain how your technical background and skills align with the company's mission and values.
Team Dynamics: Describe your preferred working style and how you collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.
Adaptability: Discuss your ability to adapt to new technologies, tools, and working environments.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Selection: Choose relevant projects that demonstrate your technical skills, leadership abilities, and experience in complex systems engineering.
Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives around your projects, highlighting the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes you achieved.
Visualization: Use relevant visual aids, such as diagrams, flowcharts, and screenshots, to illustrate your projects and enhance your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A well-prepared portfolio and a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, the company's mission and values, and your ability to collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams are crucial for success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Sr Systems Engineer position at Sierra Nevada Corporation:

Submit Application: Visit the SNC careers page and search for the Sr Systems Engineer position, then submit your application through the application portal.
Tailor Resume: Highlight your relevant systems engineering experience, technical skills, and leadership abilities, tailoring your resume to the specific requirements of the role.
Prepare Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing your technical skills, leadership abilities, and experience in complex systems engineering, following the tips provided in the portfolio review section.
Research Company: Familiarize yourself with Sierra Nevada Corporation's mission, values, and culture, and prepare for company-specific interview questions.
Practice Interview Skills: Rehearse your responses to common systems engineering and behavioral interview questions, and practice presenting your portfolio using the strategies outlined in the portfolio presentation section.

📝 Enhancement Note: A well-prepared application, tailored resume, and a strong understanding of the company's mission, values, and culture are crucial for success in the application process.

Sr Systems Engineer