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 Chief Engineer will provide technical leadership and guidance to a major program or programs, ensuring successful technical execution and timely decision making. The primary responsibility of this role is to maintain the technical baseline for the program. This involves overseeing the design, development, and testing, and verification of systems and components, solving complex technical problems, and adjudicating gaps in the as-designed versus as-built/as-tested configuration. The Chief Engineer will act as a senior leader within the program team, providing expert technical direction on complex multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring technical feasibility to achieve mission success. This position requires multidisciplinary engineering expertise and the ability to build and execute strategies across programs.
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to a major program or programs, ensuring successful technical execution.
- Responsible for maintaining the technical baseline for a major program or programs
- Chair program(s) Engineering Review Board and ensuring appropriate measures are taken to capture those changes in the requirement baseline.
- Chair program(s) Failure Review Board, ensuring gaps are adjudicated and root cause corrective actions are determined when qualification or flight hardware/software/systems do not meet their requirements.
- Oversee the design, development, and testing of systems and components.
- Work across all programs and play a role of an advisor.
- Responsible for solving the hardest technical problems spanning multiple programs.
- Drive the resolution of technical issues and challenges, providing expert-level problem-solving.
- Act as the final authority and decision maker on how to solve a problem for a customer.
- Take an active role in program milestone meetings and proposals.
- Partner with IPT Leads for work breakdown tasking and structure.
- Embody our culture and great leadership; act as a catalyst for change.
- Build out strategy; identify and implement the steps needed to execute on the strategy across programs.
- Translate technical strategy into executable plans. Make final decisions on technical problems, guide execution, and ensure effectiveness.
- Uphold and model company values; hold others accountable to values.
- Interact with internal and external executive-level management.
- Drive innovation in engineering practices and stay current with emerging technologies.
- Contribute to the development of technical strategies and roadmaps to support long-term organizational objectives.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree) or Masters +14 yrs experience.
- Typically requires 16+ years of related experience.
- Multidisciplinary engineering expertise and subject matter expert for a single program of significance.
- Demonstrated experience leading significant projects, interacting cross-functionally, and driving engineering decisions.
- Demonstrated use of first principles to plan and execute required analysis for a program life cycle.
- Experience acting as a technical advisor, providing expert guidance and recommendations on complex engineering projects, ensuring technical accuracy and feasibility.
- Upholds and models company values; ability to hold others accountable to values.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
- Able to build strategy; identify and implement the steps needed to execute strategy across programs.
- An active Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required (TS/SCI preferred)
- Experience with propulsion system integration
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's or Ph.D. in engineering, aerospace, or a related discipline, providing a deeper understanding of complex technical concepts and advanced problem-solving skills.
- Extensive experience in the aerospace industry or a closely related field, with a proven track record of successful project execution and technical leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to drive innovation within engineering practices, staying current with emerging technologies, and implementing cutting-edge solutions to enhance program performance and efficiency.
- Exceptional leadership abilities with a proven capacity to influence, inspire, and drive change within engineering teams and across the organization. Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.
- Solid experience in program management, including planning, execution, and oversight of large-scale engineering projects. Ability to manage resources, timelines, and budgets effectively.
- Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement long-term technical strategies and roadmaps that align with organizational objectives.
- Proven ability to work effectively with executive-level management, providing clear and concise technical insights and recommendations. Experience presenting complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies. Ability to represent the company in technical discussions and negotiations.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across different functions within the organization, including operations, finance, and business development, to achieve common goals.
- A strong commitment to continuous improvement, with a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements and best practices within the engineering function.
- A history of technical publications or patents that demonstrate thought leadership and contributions to the field of engineering.
- Relevant professional certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, Project Management Professional (PMP), or certifications in specific technical areas relevant to the role.
Compensation:
Pay Range:
$198,936.00 - $273,537.00
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.
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.
