Network Systems Integration Engineer III

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Systems Engineer III contributes to the development and implementation of advanced system solutions by providing alignment, connection and direction to The Network Systems Integration Engineer contributes to the development and implementation of advanced network system solutions by providing alignment, connection, and direction to the technical team throughout the network architecture and integration lifecycle. The Network Systems Integration Engineer III represents the viewpoint of the integrated network across ground, space, and enterprise segments, and works to glue network segments and subsystems together via top-down decomposition of network and communications requirements, traceability through development artifacts, and bottom-up validation and verification of network performance. They help guide the team through technical development milestones, track network performance measures (latency, throughput, availability, security posture), and identify technical risks to arrive at a compliant and cohesive network solution. The Network Systems Integration Engineer III is an emerging leader in network systems engineering principles and is proficient in most relevant skills including network requirements management, network architecture development, network concept of operations definition, system/network integration, and network verification. The Network Systems Integration Engineer III may lead small teams to execute network integration scope.

In this role, you will specify, architect, and integrate complex network system solutions — including routing, switching, data links, protocols, and network security — while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand connectivity, bandwidth, and interoperability requirements and objectives. You will derive, decompose, allocate, trace, and manage network requirements and architectures, as well as define and document network concepts of operation covering data flow, network topology, and interface control. Supporting development milestone reviews by creating network architecture artifacts and deliverables will be a key responsibility, alongside overseeing network integration and verification activities (including interface testing, protocol validation, and end-to-end connectivity testing) to ensure network functionality and performance. You will identify and manage technical risks related to network design, capacity, latency, and cybersecurity, develop mitigation strategies, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for network enhancement. Adhering to established network engineering processes, standards, and security requirements will be essential, and you will communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful execution.

Key responsibilities will include:
• COSMOS mission control software administration: Manage user roles/tokens, system health monitoring, and CPU/memory optimization for Mission Systems' centralized COSMOS instance.
• Architecture ownership: Define directory structure and network architecture enabling self-service user onboarding (eliminating ta1 account wait times).
• Network planning: Determine IP/rack requirements and validate site capacity before connection.
• Database coordination: Partner with database management on data scrubbing/archival.
• Deployment strategy: Evaluate current Artifactory container deployment model across program repos and recommend improvements.
• Release management: Coordinate COSMOS version updates with Cyber/IT and test teams, including classified environment rollout.
• Cybersecurity liaison: Primary POC for COSMOS-related security requirements between test IT and Cyber/IT.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +3 yrs experience).
• Typically, 5+ years of related experience (or Masters + 3 years of experience).
• Emerging expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
• Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
• Knowledge of systems architecture, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.
• Emerging ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Emerging expertise in network systems engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the network architecture and integration lifecycle.
• Knowledge of network requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation for networked systems.
• Knowledge of network architecture, system/network integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles, including interface control documents (ICDs) and protocol-level testing.
• Working knowledge of networking protocols and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, routing/switching, VPN, VLAN, firewalls, SATCOM/RF data links, or similar).
• Solid understanding of spacecraft and ground network systems, including network hardware and software subsystems and components (routers, switches, encryption devices, network management tools).
• Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles as applied to network architecture (e.g., defense-in-depth, zero trust, RMF/ATO processes).
• Solid understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical/network performance tracking.
• Solid understanding of technical baseline and configuration management for network systems.
• Industry certifications (e.g., CCNA/CCNP, Security+, Network+) a plus.
• Experience in leading network integration projects and mentoring junior engineers.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Currently hold a TS/SCI Clearance for classified work.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. 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.

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.