Assembly, Integration, & Test (AI&T) Lead

Pace Industries, LLC; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 161,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space, based in Colorado, is seeking an AI&T Lead to guide a multifaceted satellite test program. You will design test strategies, lead cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and ensure alignment with system requirements through rigorous test execution and reporting.

You will drive continuous improvement across manufacturing and test functions, manage budgets and schedules, and communicate complex technical concepts to leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience; advanced degree a plus.
• Typically 12+ years of related experience in test engineering and leadership.
• Advanced knowledge of test engineering principles across dynamics, thermal, measurement, HSI, SW testing, and integration.
• Experience collaborating with project managers, functional managers, and technical leads on planning/reporting.
• Strong systems engineering understanding across the lifecycle.
• Designing test strategies/frameworks and developing test scripts.
• Ability to lead enterprise-wide test improvements and optimize test capabilities.
• Proficient with testing equipment, standards, and methodologies.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain/maintain Top Secret U.S. clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a complex program to build, test, and validate satellite projects.
• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor engineers in test engineering.
• Develop advanced test strategies, frameworks, and plan execution.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and program plans to meet contracts.
• Communicate complex technical information to stakeholders.

Skills

Test engineering

Systems engineering

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Programming for test scripts

Top Secret clearance

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree +10 yrs experience

Tools

Testing equipment & measurement

Thermal chambers, vibration tables

Job description

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 Role

As an AI&T Lead at Sierra Space, you will utilize your extensive experience and advanced knowledge in multiple areas of satellite build and test engineering to lead a complex campaign to build, test, and validate projects. You will design test strategies and frameworks, apply advanced technical principles, and lead cross-functional teams. Your role will involve mentoring other engineers and driving continuous improvement across the enterprise’s manufacturing and testing functions. In this role, you will lead and execute advanced and complex assembly, integration, & test plans & procedures, resulting in as-built assemblies and test reports to demonstrate compliance with system requirements. Additionally, you will support the program management team with comprehensive program planning, execution, and resource management for the AI&T scope of work, to ensure successful program outcome. You will lead the team to design and implement advanced test strategies and frameworks, integrating strong analytical skills and knowledge of automated testing tools. You will apply increasingly advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts in the execution of Manufacturing and Test Engineering functions while advancing the capabilities and efficiencies of the AI&T function across the enterprise through continuous improvement initiatives. Leading cross-functional teams in the pursuit of continuous improvement, you will foster collaboration and innovation while applying strong troubleshooting skills to solve complex problems, ensuring system integrity and performance. As a program leader you will manage budgets, schedules, and execution to ensure alignment with contractual requirements, while developing and maintaining comprehensive program plans, schedules, and budgets. Frequently mentoring other engineers, you will provide guidance and support to enhance their technical skills and professional development. Additionally, you will support program management in the execution of critical programs, while effectively communicating complex technical concepts and information to team members, senior engineers, and stakeholders.

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 Masters +10 yrs experience).
• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge in multiple areas of test engineering principles and practices (dynamics, thermal, measurement, HSI, SW Test, Integration, etc.).
• Collaborate with project managers, functional managers, and technical leads to ensure accurate planning and reporting
• Advanced expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a comprehensive understanding of the systems development lifecycle
• Expertise in designing test strategies and frameworks, strong analytical skills, knowledge of automated testing tools, and programming skills for test script development.
• Experience applying increasing degrees of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts in the execution of Test Engineering job functions.
• Advance the capabilities and efficiencies of the test function across the enterprise.
• Proficient in various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot and solve complex testing problems.
• Robust understanding of technical baseline and configuration management.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with environmental testing equipment such as thermal chambers, vibration tables, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-complexity tasks and priorities effectively.
• Capability to manage program budgets and meet specified schedules and technical objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn and apply new concepts and methodologies in test engineering.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in aerospace engineering.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams and lead initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of successful technical leadership and ownership of high-impact projects from concept through completion.
• Proven experience in leading major projects and mentoring junior and mid-level engineers.

Compensation

Pay Range: $160,951.00 - $221,328.25 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.

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 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.

About Sierra Space

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.