Manufacturing Specialist I - Tooling

Sierra Space; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 73,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) with match

Life insurance

3 weeks PTO

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Manufacturing Specialist I - Tooling in Colorado to create build-related products, coordinate active builds, and support tooling design and revisions. The role emphasizes technical proficiency, safety, and fast-paced execution across groundbreaking space projects.

Entry-level with opportunity for long-term growth. Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, plus paid time off.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2+ years in hands-on manufacturing OR bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science.
• Good grasp of manufacturing processes and quality standards.
• Basic computer skills including email and Windows
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and SOPs
• Effective communication for reporting issues and collaborating with teammates

Responsibilities

• Author and release build process plans.
• Coordinate WO creation and kitting for tooling builds.
• Provide tooling build support including nonconformance dispositioning and issue resolution.
• Assist tooling design with quick-turn shop aids and engineering revisions.
• Set up, operate, and train shop floor on critical manufacturing processes.
• Drive issue resolution while maintaining design intent, quality, and schedule.
• Evaluate non-conforming products and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct process development experiments and design validations within tight timelines.
• Ensure smooth transfer from development to full-scale production.
• Identify opportunities to improve yield, performance, and cost

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing

Basic problem solving

Effective communication

Following SOPs

Learning on the job

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP/MRP/MES systems

Microsoft Windows

Job description

About the Role

The Manufacturing Specialist I - Tooling role primarily creates build-related products and coordinates active builds while secondarily providing design/revision support for tooling. This role requires technical proficiency, innovation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This entry level role pioneers opportunities for long-term career growth in a dynamic industry, perfect for someone eager to make a meaningful impact with a diverse range of groundbreaking projects.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Author & release build process plans
• Facilitate part readiness / Work Order (WO) creation / kitting for tooling builds
• Provide tooling build support; WO redlines, nonconformance dispositioning, facilitate build issues / questions from tech team
• Provide tooling design support; quick turn shop aids & engineering revisions
• Set up, operate, and train the shop floor on critical manufacturing processes
• Drive resolution of production issues while maintaining design intent, product quality, and schedule
• Evaluate non-conforming products, drive resolution of issues, and implement corrective actions
• Conduct process development experiments and provide design & process validations in tight timelines
• Guarantee a smooth transition of products from the development phase to full-scale production
• Discover opportunities for ongoing enhancements in yield, performance, and cost

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate and typically 2+ years of professional experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and principles
• Familiarity with safety protocols and quality standards in a manufacturing environment
• Basic computer skills, including email and Microsoft Windows
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures
• Basic problem-solving skills to identify and address minor production issues
• Effective communication skills for reporting issues and collaborating with team members
• Ability to learn and operate manufacturing equipment under supervision
• Capability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Willingness to participate in training sessions and apply new knowledge to tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
• Experience designing & building shop aids, tools, and support materials for manufacturing operations
• Experience with spaceflight hardware and controls
• Strong ability to context switch and adapt to process variables efficiently
• Ability to produce high-quality hardware within expedited timeframes
• Proficient in computer skills, including email, Microsoft Windows, ERP/MRP/MES systems, iOS, and executing custom-developed software
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and a strong aptitude for teamwork
• Proficiency in offering process and design improvement recommendations to engineering

Compensation

Pay Range: $73,231.00 - $100,714.00

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

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. 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

• medical
• dental
• vision plans
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
• life insurance
• 3 weeks paid time off
• and more

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

Application Deadline

This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified

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