Sr Manufacturing Engineer

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream
We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.
At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn't restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.
We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.
About the Role
Do you enjoy collaborating with others in a challenging, fast-paced environment to create innovative products and services? At Sierra Space, you will work in multidisciplinary teams to take customer concepts from the drawing board to reality, leveraging cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to ensure our customers' mission objectives are met.
As a Manufacturing Engineer in the Solar Power group, you will be part of a team responsible for the build and integration of solar array systems that power spacecraft for customers in all sectors of the space economy. Sierra Space has developed and patented novel pick-and-place surface mount solar cell technology which will revolutionize the way space rated solar power systems are built. You will be a part of the team that will scale the process to enable world-class high-volume production and test of both small and large solar power systems, including multi-panel deployable arrays. This role will work heavily alongside the design, test, program management and quality teams to ensure that all schedule and quality objectives are consistently met for our customers, and that we are advancing the state of the art for Solar Array build efficiency. Key responsibilities include reviewing engineering designs for producibility, developing tooling, fixtures and facilities, establishing the overall build plan, authoring procedures and work instructions, supporting execution on the production floor, delivering finished flight hardware to the customer, and driving process improvements to accelerate build rate and improve quality.
About You
Our mission is fueled by an unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek individuals who Dare to Dream - envisioning the extraordinary and pursuing it relentlessly - to join us on this transformational journey.
We're looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision, and audacious goals while meeting the minimum qualifications below. Preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
Key Responsibilities:

• Execute new product introduction (NPI) builds across all work centers, performing process development, validation, and transition to production on extremely aggressive timelines

• Assist with initial Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) line concepting, setup, facility requests, and programming of equipment

• Program, operate, and train technicians on automated equipment during initial standup

• Work with tooling team to design custom fixtures for PCBA to ensure efficient process flow and integration with Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line

• Triage non-conforming product and drive resolution and preventative action implementation

• Resolve production issues while ensuring design integrity, product quality, and delivery timelines

• Identify continuous improvement opportunities for yield, rate, and cost

• Define and execute maintenance schedules and support activities

• Perform internal research and development (IRAD) designs to optimize SMT process yield

• Specify equipment requirements for new build processes

• Develop design for manufacturability (DFM) guidelines

• Provide solutions to streamline space-grade circuit board assembly and test processes which may include flying probe, AOI, functional testing, reflow soldering, selective soldering, and conformal coating

• Facilitate a close relationship with the engineering team during design, build, and test to provide design feedback

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

• 10+ years of experience working in SMT or PCBA process engineering or Solar Array manufacturing

• Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of required education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight

• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed

• Hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

• Experience mentoring and training less experienced team members

• Willingness to work occasional long hours and weekends

• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Experience producing J-STD-001 Class 2, IPC-A-610 Class 2 or equivalent hardware

• Hands on experience with optimizing pick and place machines, reflow oven, conformal coating, or through hole soldering systems

• Experience with wire harness routing, integration, and testing

• Experience with mechanical systems and mechanisms

Additional 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 50 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

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.
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.
Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
We also offer 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.
Estimated Starting Salary Range:
$120,552.10 - $165,759.14
At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.
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.