Chief Engineer

As Chief Engineer, you will be using your skills and expertise to support the execution of the business unit strategy, and provide technical leadership, guidance, and oversight for our integrated plan for product development including overseeing activities throughout the product lifecycle from design concept phase to release. These cover a very wide range from state of the art mission payloads and electronic systems to highly integrated aircraft. You will develop and maintain product line technical baselines that support multiple programs, ensuring consistency, continuity, and configuration control. You will provide technical investment needs and staffing forecasts to Engineering functional management. You will oversee Technology projects to ensure that they deliver on the Business Unit strategy. You will develop budgetary estimates and shape customer requirements during early pursuit phases. You will review and approve proposal technical and cost volumes. You will provide operational guidance to Project Engineering Managers. You will also support program and technical reviews and provide guidance to staff on technical solution synthesis.
Sierra Space-based in Louisville, CO with operations in Madison, WI, Durham, NC, Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX, and Kennedy Space Center, FL-designs and manufactures the Dream Chaser spaceplane and other advanced spacecraft, commercial space destinations, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers, and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space
Must Haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field and typically 14 or more years of relevant technical experience
• Mission expert in Overhead Persistence Infrared Systems, Missile Tracking Systems or Optical Payload Design
• Thorough understanding of all phases of design lifecycle management to include requirements, design, integration, test, and sustainment.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of industry best practices and techniques for program management, science, and engineering programs.
• Possess advanced technical knowledge and experience, working knowledge of industry trends and historical context.
• Proven ability to work with department-level business leaders and to provide leadership within the workplace.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms; ability to tailor conversations to adapt to technical vs. non-technical audiences.
• Prior experience developing and maintaining product line technical baselines that support multiple programs, ensuring consistency, continuity, and configuration control.
• Experience developing technical proposals and cost volumes.
• Ability to support program and technical reviews and provide guidance to staff on technical solution synthesis.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

Preferred:

• Typically, 8-10 years of relevant leadership and/or project management experience
• Master's degree or higher in an Engineering or similar field of study
• Proven leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews.
• Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic thinking
• Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies.
• Previous management experience: ability to recruit employees; assign, direct, and evaluate their work; and oversee staffing development and maintenance.
• Demonstrated passion for ideation and innovation, as well as motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose.
• Possess a strategic mindset, linking technology and business.
• Team oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), NASA/Civil or commercial space and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret 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.
Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

• Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps
• Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity
• Rarely lifting or carrying up to 25 lbs

Working Conditions:

• Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)
• Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials
• Rarely exposed to loud noises

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $186,100.35 - $255,887.98. Sierra Space considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.
Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.