Sr IT Systems Engineer

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

About the Role

The Sr IT Systems Engineer is a senior-level role designed for professionals with extensive experience in systems administration, cloud computing, and infrastructure design. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable and secure IT infrastructure, as well as leading and mentoring junior system administrators.

• Manage cloud computing platforms, implement advanced security technologies, and lead IT projects using established project management methodologies.
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable and secure IT infrastructure while managing and optimizing cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Azure.
• Implement advanced security technologies and practices to protect company data and systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior system administrators.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts to streamline IT processes and improve efficiency.
• Perform advanced systems administration tasks, including performance tuning and system optimization.
• Utilize performance analysis tools to monitor and improve system performance.
• Manage and troubleshoot complex networking and distributed computing environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support IT projects and initiatives.
• Write proposals, technical papers, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as a vendor liaison and represent the company in presentations to customers, clients, and professional peers.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve skills and knowledge.

Requirements

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.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +6 years experience).
• Typically 8+ years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of systems administration plus 3+ years of cloud computing platforms, such as AWS or Azure.
• Expertise in designing and implementing scalable and secure infrastructure.
• Experience with advanced security technologies and practices.
• Knowledge of IT project management methodologies.
• Ability to lead and mentor junior system administrators.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to write proposals or papers, act as a vendor liaison, make presentations to customers or client audiences or professional peers, and work closely with upper management.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and automate processes.
• Expertise in an operating system; understanding of paging and swapping, inter-process communications, devices and what device drivers do, file system concepts (inode, clustering, logical partitions), and the ability to use performance analysis to tune systems.
• Solid understanding of networking/distributed computing environment concepts, including principles of routing, bridging and switching, client/server programming, and the design of consistent network-wide filesystem layouts.

Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Advanced certifications in relevant IT fields (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
• Experience with DevOps practices and tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins).
• Proficiency in advanced scripting and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Pay

Pay Range: $135,864.00 - $186,813.00. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• 3 weeks paid time off.