Project Engineer III

sierraspace; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 119,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space, based in Colorado with roles around the U.S., seeks a Project Engineer III to lead technical projects and ensure successful integration of engineering solutions. The role requires balancing technical, cost, and schedule constraints while guiding mid-sized teams and interfacing with the Program Office.

You will provide technical estimates, conduct trade studies, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate with contracts, quality, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute technical projects, ensuring integration of engineering solutions.
• Oversee design, development, and implementation of projects within specs, quality, cost and schedule constraints.
• Provide technical estimation support to develop Basis of Estimates.
• Conduct trade studies and lead technical evaluations; mentor junior engineers.
• Manage supplier coordination and Statements of Work; coordinate with contracts and quality teams.
• Support Risk and Opportunity management and communicate project status to technical/programmatic audiences.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering team.
• Serve as the bridge between Engineering and Program Offices to resolve conflicts.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Lead small teams

Project management

Technical communication

Problem solving

Risk & opportunity management

Budget & scheduling

Stakeholder coordination

Mentorship

Process improvement

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree + 3 years experience or equivalent

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

CAD software

PLM tools

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

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 small cross-functional teams and projects, effectively balancing technical, cost, and schedule constraints while overseeing the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects. You will provide technical estimation support to develop Basis of Estimates and ensure projects meet technical specifications and quality standards. Your responsibilities will include conducting trade studies, leading technical evaluations, and providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers. Additionally, you will manage supplier coordination by developing and managing Statements of Work, coordinating with contracts and quality teams, and supporting Risk and Opportunity management on the project. You will communicate and coordinate across engineering and functional teams, delivering clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions, and effectively communicating project status to both technical and programmatic audiences. Driving innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering team will be a key focus, as will serving as the bridge between Engineering and Program offices to resolve conflicts and represent the voice of all stakeholders, including support functions and customers.

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 +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.

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 com