Chief Engineer (Clearance Required)

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.

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.

• 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 Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

• 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.

Pay Range:

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 current/active Top 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.

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.

What We Do

Securing The Freedom of Operations Headquartered in Colorado Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms critical subsystems reusable spaceplanes hypersonic technologies propulsion systems and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security Civil customers and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation sustain human exploration in space and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.

Why Work With Us

At Sierra Space you’ll find a supportive respectful and upbeat culture where your opinions matter and your personal contributions have impact. If you’re thinking about your own next frontier we’d love to help you explore it.

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