Sr Material Science Engineer

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 RoleAs a Sr Material Science Engineer at Sierra Space, you will leverage your extensive experience and demonstrated expertise to lead and guide critical material science engineering efforts. You will apply your deep technical knowledge to provide innovative solutions to complex technical problems, often working independently and with considerable latitude. In this senior role, you will play a key part in major programs, potentially taking on project leadership responsibilities, and interacting with senior personnel across the organization. As the primary technical contact, you will represent Sierra Space on significant contracts and projects.
In this role, you will lead the development, analysis, and application of materials used in aerospace systems, leveraging your demonstrated expertise in material sciences. You will apply extensive technical expertise and a working knowledge of related disciplines to solve complex technical problems with ingenuity and creativity. Developing and documenting detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support engineering projects and decision-making processes will be a key aspect of your responsibilities. Working independently with considerable latitude, you will determine technical objectives and approaches to assignments without appreciable direction. You will guide the successful completion of major programs, potentially serving in a project leadership role, and interact with cross-organizational senior personnel on significant technical matters, providing insights and driving engineering solutions. Representing the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects, you will ensure technical accuracy and alignment with project goals. Additionally, you will participate in technical reviews, strategy sessions, and high-level meetings, contributing expert insights and technical direction to advance organizational objectives. Mentoring and providing technical guidance to less experienced engineers will also be a key part of your role, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +6 yrs experience).

• Typically, 8+ years of related experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in material sciences.

• Ability to apply extensive technical expertise and has working knowledge of related disciplines.

• Ability to provide solutions to complex technical problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

• Capability to work without appreciable direction, requiring considerable latitude in determining technical objectives of assignments.

• Ability to guide the successful completion of major programs and may function in a project leadership role.

• Competence in interacting with cross-organizational senior personnel on significant technical matters.

• Ability to represent the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or COMSOL for material analysis and simulation.

• Experience applying materials science principles to manufacturing processes and production environments, with demonstrated success in practical implementation.

• Experience with material characterization and test techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, tensile, fatigue, creep, and fracture.

• Familiarity with materials selection software like CES Selector.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn and apply new concepts and methodologies.

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in material sciences and aerospace engineering.

• Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.

• Proven track record of successful leadership and ownership of technical projects from concept through completion.

• Experience in communicating technical information to external stakeholders such as suppliers and partners.

• Knowledge of failure analysis techniques and root cause analysis.

• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes, such as additive manufacturing processes and materials.

• Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements in aerospace materials.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$137,386.00 - $188,926.75

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 the ability to obtain and maintain a 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.

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.