Project Engineer III

Sierra Space; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 119,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) matching

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Project Engineer III to lead and execute technical projects, coordinating design, development, and implementation across teams. You will provide technical guidance, manage supplier relationships, and drive programmatic functions like risk and cost/schedule control.

You will interface with customers and leadership, delivering status updates and KPIs while mentoring junior engineers and advancing innovative engineering solutions. U.S. security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Typically, 5+ years of related experience.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Experience in risk and opportunity management.
• Expertise in communicating across engineering and functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects, balancing technical and programmatic constraints.
• Provide technical estimation support to develop Basis of Estimates, Proposals, and Contracts.
• Conduct high-impact trade studies and technical evaluations.
• Manage suppliers, create and oversee Statements of Work, and develop return-to-green plans.
• Support Program Management Teams with Risk and Cost/Schedule management.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders and report KPIs and Technical Performance Metrics.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Risk management

Leadership

Technical collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

CAD software

PLM systems

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

The Project Engineer III role focuses on leading and executing technical projects, ensuring the successful integration of engineering solutions, and driving innovation within the team. This position requires a strong technical foundation, advanced engineering expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams. The role involves overseeing the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects, ensuring they 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 +3 yrs experience).
• Typically, 5+ years of related experience.
• Strong technical foundation on which to build project/programmatic skills.
• Ability to lead small cross‑functional teams and projects.
• Advanced technical knowledge and expertise in the relevant engineering discipline.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to lead technical teams and ensure projects are completed within budget and scheduling constraints.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• General knowledge of two or more functional disciplines outside of engineering (e.g., supply chain, manufacturing, operations, program management).
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of risk and opportunity management.
• Expertise in communicating and coordinating across engineering and functional teams.
• Clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with increasing responsibilities in project management.
• Professional Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with systems engineering and integration.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
• Experience with CAD software and engineering design tools.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
• Experience in product lifecycle management (PLM).
• Familiarity with Agile and Lean 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:

$119,064.00 - $163,713.00

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

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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 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.