Sr Project Engineer (Clearance Required)

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 RoleThe Senior Project Engineer role involves leading and executing medium-sized technical projects, ensuring the successful integration of engineering solutions, and driving innovation within the team. This position requires a strong technical foundation, extensive engineering expertise, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. The role includes overseeing the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects, managing key programmatic functions, and ensuring projects meet technical specifications and quality standards as well as cost & schedule constraints. This role serves as a bridge between the Engineering and Program Office on a given project.
In this role, you will lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects, effectively balancing technical and programmatic constraints while overseeing the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects. You will provide technical estimation support to develop Basis of Estimates, Proposals, and Contracts, ensuring that projects meet technical specifications and quality standards. Your responsibilities will include conducting high-impact trade studies, leading technical evaluations, and providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers. You will manage suppliers by developing and managing Statements of Work, addressing supplier issues, and creating return-to-green plans for supplier schedules. Additionally, you will support Program Management Teams by owning key programmatic functions such as Risk Management and Cost/Schedule management. As part of your role, you will interface with key customers and stakeholders, communicate and coordinate across engineering and functional teams, and provide clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions. You will deliver status updates and key insights on project progress to leadership, including reporting Key Performance Indicators and Technical Performance Metrics. Furthermore, you will drive innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering team and play a crucial role in conflict resolution by serving as the bridge between Engineering and Program offices, acting as the voice of all stakeholders, from support functions to the customer.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.

• Strong technical foundation with demonstrated leadership capabilities.

• Understanding of key programmatic disciplines (e.g., Cost/Schedule management).

• Ability to lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects.

• Extensive technical expertise and experience in the relevant engineering discipline.

• Proven track record of successfully leading technical teams through project execution.

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to handle complex engineering design evaluations and resolve issues.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.

• Progressive experience managing projects across the entire development life cycle.

• Expertise in project management techniques and processes, including EVMS, CAM, or equivalent.

• Expertise in the implementation and execution of effective risk and opportunity management.

• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter experts of varying functional disciplines to drive project outcomes.

• Clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions.

• An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with software development, software systems engineering, or software engineering leadership.

• Prior experiences with a significant focus on project management.

• Proficiency in project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).

• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.

• Experience in product lifecycle management (PLM).

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience in developing and managing project budgets.

• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$153,890.00 - $211,598.75

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.

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 20 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:

This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility 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 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 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.