Mechanical Engineer III (structures) (clearance Required) Hardware

Frontdoor Defense; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 111,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space Corporation is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III (structures) to lead the mechanical structures package for a space propulsion system from concept to verification.

The role requires independent work under general direction, ownership of discrete technical packages as a Responsible Engineer, and mentoring of junior engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet schedule and budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Typically 5+ years of related experience.
• Expertise in Mechanical Engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques and general knowledge of related disciplines.
• Experience managing discrete technical packages as a Responsible Engineer (RE).
• Ability to provide guidance to entry-level engineers.
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical structures package for a space propulsion system from concept to verification.
• Collect and analyze data, prepare detailed technical documentation, and communicate with external stakeholders.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to junior engineers and work with cross-functional teams to meet project goals.
• Identify design goals and challenges, own small programs or discrete packages as a Responsible Engineer.
• Ensure delivery of quality products on time and within budget.

Skills

RE ownership

Mentoring juniors

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

Mechanical Engineer III (structures) (clearance Required)Lead the mechanical structures package for a space propulsion system from concept to verification

Location: Centennial, Colorado, United States; Louisville, Colorado, United States

Compensation: $110,664 - $152,184 USD / year

The Mechanical Engineer III role focuses on providing imaginative and practical solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are consistent with organizational objectives. The position requires a complete understanding and application of technical principles, standards, theories, and concepts, as well as general knowledge of related disciplines. The role involves working independently under general direction, taking ownership of discrete technical packages as a Responsible Engineer (RE), and providing guidance to less experienced engineers. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data, preparing detailed technical documentation, and frequently communicating with external stakeholders to support project requirements and objectives.

In this role, you will work under general direction to independently identify and resolve design goals and challenges. You will take design engineering ownership of small programs and/or discrete technical packages, which may include serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE). You will collect and analyze data related to mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, structural analysis, or environmental systems, providing solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are imaginative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organizational objectives. Preparing detailed technical documentation and reports to communicate findings and support project objectives will be a key part of your responsibilities. You will provide excellent mentoring and coaching to junior engineers, fostering their technical and professional development. Collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams, you will work to achieve project goals and meet deadlines. Additionally, you will frequently communicate with both external and internal stakeholders to support project objectives and ensure the delivery of quality products on time and within budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +3 years experience).
• Typically, 5+ years of related experience.
• Expertise in Mechanical Engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques and general knowledge of related disciplines.
• Experience managing discrete technical packages as a Responsible Engineer (RE).
• Ability to provide guidance to entry-level engineers.
• Ability to provide solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are imaginative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organization objectives.
• Ability to work under general direction to independently determine and develop approaches to solutions.
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of design, analysis, and test methods, tools, and processes related to Thermal Control Systems.
• Proficiency with engineering CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar, including advanced understanding of detail drawing standards and GD&T.
• Proficiency with engineering Analysis tools such as ANSYS or similar.
• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, demonstrating effective collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver high‑quality results.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, material sciences, and their impact on mechanical systems.
• Experience with end‑item testing and validation, including the ability to design and execute complex test plans.

Compensation:

Pay Range: $110,664.00 - $152,184.00

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires current/active Top Secret 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.

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.