Principal Material Science Engineer – Propulsion Systems & Thrusters

Sierra Space; Town of Middleton (WI); On-site; USD 152,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with 150% match

Paid time off (3 weeks)

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Principal Material Science Engineer to lead development, analysis, and application of materials for propulsion systems. You will drive advanced solutions, document technical data, and present findings to support critical programs.

You will mentor engineers, lead technical reviews, collaborate across disciplines, and ensure alignment with NASA standards while delivering complex projects on long‑range goals with substantial autonomy.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge in material sciences.
• Ability to apply advanced technical principles and concepts.
• Ability to mentor and lead technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, analysis, and application of materials for propulsion systems.
• Provide innovative solutions and rigorous analyses for complex challenges.
• Develop and document detailed technical data, reports and presentations.
• Lead technical reviews and strategic discussions across disciplines.
• Mentor engineers and represent the organization in external engagements.

Skills

Advanced material science

Technical leadership

Project leadership

Strong communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree +10 yrs experience

Tools

MATLAB

ANSYS

COMSOL

CES Selector

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 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 a Principal Material Science Engineer at Sierra Space, you will bring your extensive experience and advanced knowledge to lead significant projects and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in aerospace material sciences. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to develop and implement innovative solutions. Working under consultative direction, you will drive projects towards predetermined long‑range goals and objectives, ensuring technical excellence and strategic alignment.

In this role, you will lead the development, analysis, and application of materials used in propulsion systems and thrusters, leveraging advanced knowledge in material sciences. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to provide innovative solutions and rigorous analyses for complex technical challenges, while developing and documenting detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support critical engineering projects and strategic decision‑making. Working under consultative direction towards predetermined long‑range goals and objectives, you will have considerable autonomy in determining technical approaches. You will contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in material sciences, enhancing the organization’s technical capabilities, and lead projects or significant aspects of programs to ensure successful development and implementation of innovative solutions. Collaborating with senior personnel across disciplines, you will integrate material science solutions into broader engineering projects and programs. Representing the organization as a technical expert, you will participate in high‑level meetings, contracts, and strategic discussions both within and outside of Sierra Space. Additionally, you will mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers, fostering professional development and enhancing team effectiveness. You will also participate in and lead technical reviews, strategy sessions, and innovation initiatives, driving the advancement of material sciences within the organization.

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 material sciences.


• Ability to apply increasing degrees of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts.


• Capability to contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.


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


• Ability to work under consultative direction towards predetermined long‑range goals and objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes, especially metallic additive manufacturing processes and materials.


• Experience with hypergolic propulsion systems.


• Experience with refractory alloys, other high temperature alloys, and protective coatings.


• Experience with material characterization and test techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, tensile, fatigue, creep, and fracture. Familiarity with elevated and/or cryogenic temperature materials testing a positive.


• Experience with failure analysis techniques and root cause analysis.


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


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


• Familiarity with materials selection software like CES Selector.


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


• 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.


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


• Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements in aerospace materials; such as NASA-STD-6016, NASA-STD-6030, NASA-STD-6033, SMC-S-009, SMC-S-011, and MMPDS.


• Experience in representing the organization to external stakeholders such as suppliers, partners, and industry bodies.


• Ability to obtain/maintain Top Secret or higher U.S. Security Clearance may be required

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$151,905.00 - $208,869.75

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

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.

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.