Linux Systems Administrator, Sierra Space
Dream Chaser Mission Systems, Systems Engineer
$119.1-163.7k
Office located in Louisville, CO
Commercial space company
Open for applications
Commercial space company
1001+ employees
Open for applications
$119.1-163.7k
Office located in Louisville, CO
1001+ employees
Company mission
To build a platform in space to benefit life on Earth.
Role
Who you are
- 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
- BS in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related discipline + typically 5 or more years of relevant experience (relevant experience may count toward degree; relevant advanced degree may count toward experience)
- Experience with VMware, Docker, Python, RF, Cisco switches, and Palo Alto firewalls
- Experience with command and telemetry software (InControl & Amergint | ARKA)
- Proficient with Linux and Windows operating systems (Linux depth required)
- Experience in IT system & network administration, data management, software configuration, and real-time mission support
- Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
- Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing/derivation/allocation, systems design/integration, technical risk identification and management, and V&V principles
- This role requires you to work on-site at our Louisville, CO location
- Ability to obtain/maintain Secret or higher U.S. Security Clearance may be required
- Must pass NASA background check and maintain NASA clearance
Desirable
- Linux certification (RHCSA, RHCE, LFCS, or equivalent)
- Python Scripting experience
- Security hardening experience (DISA STIGs, CIS Benchmarks)
- Configuration management/automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, or similar)
- Real-time operations, spacecraft ground systems, or control center operations experience
- Experience managing enterprise IT applications, systems, and networking at scale
- Knowledge of ground-to-space communication systems and control center development
- Proficiency in Jira and Confluence
- INCOSE certification or equivalent experience
- Background in Aerospace and Defense industry
- Experience with baseline definition/maturation in complex development settings, including trade studies
- Exposure to establishing and tracking Technical Performance Measurements (TPMs)
What the job involves
- Sierra Space is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to support mission-critical IT systems, networks, and infrastructure in a space flight mission critical environment
- This role focuses on Linux administration of real-time spacecraft ground systems and applications as well as certifying as a Ground Control (GC) flight controller
- Administer, configure, and maintain Linux-based servers and workstations (RHEL/CentOS)
- Patch, harden (STIG compliance), tune performance, and troubleshoot Linux systems
- Manage virtualized Linux environments (VMware) and containerized applications (Docker)
- Write and maintain Bash/Python scripts for automation, monitoring, and administration
- Provide end-to-end support of mission-critical IT systems, infrastructure, and networks
- Configure and support networking components (Cisco switches, Palo Alto firewalls)
- Administer command and telemetry software (InControl & Amergint | ARKA)
- Support real-time missions and pre-mission simulations
- Provide Flight & Test Operations end-user support
- Develop documentation for system design, operations, and training
- Refine operational concepts and processes
- Perform general systems engineering and integration tasks
- Collaborate closely with NASA during all phases of mission preparation and planning
Our take
Sierra Space is developing the next generation of power and infrastructure for the evolving space economy. Over the last three decades, the company and its affiliates have produced more than 4,000 space systems, and achieved 500+ space missions, including to Mars.
The company is closely tied to NASA but had adjusted near-term plans for its reusable Dream Chaser spaceplane, which was originally contracted to provide cargo resupply services to the International Space Station. Now, the company (working with NASA) will fly an initial free-flying demonstration mission, targeted for late 2026. The flight is intended to validate core systems such as autonomous operations, thermal protection, and runway landing, while reducing pressure from ISS certification timelines and gathering data to support future missions.
Alongside this, Sierra Space is expanding its footprint in defense and national security. In 2024, the company won its first Space Development Agency contract to build 18 satellites for the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer and has already completed the first 9 structures ahead of schedule. Supported by its Victory Works manufacturing facility and continued involvement in Orbital Reef, Sierra Space is increasingly positioned as a diversified supplier across civil, commercial and defense space markets.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Funding (last 2 of 4 rounds)
Mar 2026
$550m
SERIES C
Sep 2023
$290m
SERIES B
Total funding: $2.3bn
Company benefits
- Medical Coverage: We offer two comprehensive medical plans, a PPO and an HDHP, designed to prioritize the well-being of our team members
- Dental Coverage: HMO and PPO dental plans are aimed at promoting optimal oral health and reducing costs
- Vision Coverage: Our vision plan offers access to a wide range of in-network and out-of-network providers
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Maximize savings and use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical and dependent care expenses
- Health Savings Account: This tax-advantaged savings account allows team members to set aside pre-tax funds to cover qualified medical expenses
- Life and AD&D Insurance: Comprehensive Basic and Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance offers financial protection to your family
- Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance provides wage replacement should you suffer a disability that prevents you from working
- 401K Profit Sharing Plan: Employees may contribute 1% to 100% of base salary up to the annual IRS maximum. Employer match provided with a 5-year vesting schedule
- Employee Assistance Program: Confidential service available 24/7 that provides assessment, counseling, resources and referrals to employees
- Professional Development / Educational Reimbursement Plan: Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate tuition, books and fees.
Company HQ
Louisville, Colorado
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