Structural Engineer III (Fractures & Fatigue)

At Sierra Space, we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Sierra Space builds and delivers the future of space transportation, destinations and infrastructure, offering "space-as-a-service" in support of the new space economy.
Sierra Space, based in Louisville, Colorado with operations in Madison, Wisconsin, Durham, North Carolina, and Kennedy Space Center, Florida, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, 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
The Space Destinations organization is a diverse, collaborative team tasked with rapidly creating the next generation of technology, products, and capabilities for Sierra Space. We are hands-on, embrace risk, and move quickly to fly impactful solutions for our customers. The Fracture Engineer III supports the concept, architecture, design, build, verification and validation, and operation of innovative robotic and manned spacecraft and subsystems for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), lunar, and deep space applications.
Specifically, you will lead and be responsible for developing and implementing the Destination's programs fracture control plan and supporting fracture and fatigue analysis.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop fatigue and fracture properties for novel spacecraft designs
• Work with design and materials engineers on material selection and property development
• Implement fracture control for manned space flight applications
• Develop material characterization test plans and direct hands-on laboratory testing and failure analysis of vehicle hardware and raw stock materials
• Find and implement innovative approaches to improve fatigue life of hardware
• Serve as a residential expert for testing of the mechanical behavior of metals
• Review stress team execution of detailed fracture and fatigue component analysis

Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and typically four (4) or more years of relevant experience; higher education may be considered in lieu of experience
• Relevant work experience may substitute for required education
• Direct experience related to fatigue, fracture, or failure analysis
• Ability to perform classical analysis using industry standard hand calculation methods
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
• Must be able to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced environment with emphasizes in rapid prototyping and fielding of capabilities

Preferred:

• • PhD in materials science or materials engineering
• • Expertise in one of the following: fracture control, conducting fatigue or fracture tests, or failure analysis
• • Familiarity of NASA-STD-5019
• Experience with NASGRO suite of fracture and fatigue analysis tools
• Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
• Expert first principle knowledge of mechanical behavior or metals
• Experience with fracture control principles for aerospace
• Expertise in aerospace materials including high strength aluminum, nickel alloys, and titanium
• Understanding of test and design approaches for fatigue crack growth, low-cycle fatigue, fracture, and elevated temperature behavior
• Demonstrated track record performing failure analysis of functional components in a field such as aerospace or automotive
• Understanding of non-destructive test methods for fracture control
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Capable of interacting with and conveying concepts within all levels of our organization
• 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.
With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products and services.
Estimated Starting Salary Range: $91,154.71 - $125,337.72
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.
As COVID-19 continues to significantly impact our employees, families and communities, we are taking action to address the increased risk and uncertainty COVID-19 and associated variants pose in the workplace. SNC is committed to supporting our employees while ensuring we continue to meet essential national security needs of our country.
With employee health and safety as our top priority, and as a federal contractor, SNC will continue to require COVID-19 vaccination status for all employees including new hires. In accordance with applicable requirements, all current and newly hired employees who are unvaccinated may be required to adhere to enhanced onsite safety protocols including weekly COVID-19 testing, face coverings, and social distancing.
The status of applicable COVID-19 vaccination requirements are subject to change depending on applicable court orders and the course of ongoing litigation. Candidates may later be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption.
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.