Sr Mechanical Engineer - Electric Propulsion (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 137,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

3 weeks paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Sr Mechanical Engineer in Centennial, CO to lead design and analysis of complex mechanical and propulsion systems. You will act as a prime technical contact, guiding objectives and solutions with limited oversight while mentoring junior engineers and coordinating cross-functional teams.

The role requires extensive experience in mechanical engineering, propulsion knowledge, and an active Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and extensive mechanical engineering knowledge.
• 8+ years of related experience.
• Expertise in mechanical engineering standards and creative problem solving.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis for complex mechanical designs and propulsion systems.
• Serve as Responsible Engineer on contracts and projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-functional teams.
• Develop system architectures, trade studies, and verification plans.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Electric propulsion knowledge

Top Secret clearance

Mechanical engineering expertise

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

The Sr Mechanical Engineer role has three primary requirements:

• Knowledge of electric propulsion systems.
• Holding a TS/SCI security clearance.

The engineer in this position will focus on providing solutions to complex technical problems, working with considerable latitude in determining technical objectives, and guiding the successful completion of major programs. The position requires extensive technical expertise in mechanical systems and a working knowledge of related disciplines. Responsibilities include representing the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior engineers. This role is critical in ensuring high technical standards, achieving project goals, and supporting the overall mission of the organization.

In this role, you will lead design and analysis efforts for multiple and complex design activities, which may include serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE). You will manage all aspects of system and component design, development, and integration, including trade studies, layouts, architecture definition, system testing, verification, and troubleshooting. By analyzing and interpreting data from tests and simulations, you will inform design decisions and identify areas for improvement. You will provide solutions to complex technical problems that require ingenuity and creativity, while interacting with senior personnel across the organization on significant technical matters. Preparing detailed technical documentation and reports to communicate findings and support project objectives will be a key aspect of your responsibilities. Additionally, you will represent the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects, working with limited oversight and considerable latitude when determining technical objectives and solutions. You will mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on their technical and professional development, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and refine system designs that meet performance and safety requirements.

In addition to expertise on electric propulsion systems, the ideal candidate will also have some knowledge of chemical propulsion.

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 +6 yrs experience).
• Typically 8+ years of related experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in Mechanical Engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Expertise to provide solutions to complex technical problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
• Ability to work effectively without appreciable direction when given considerable latitude in determining technical objectives and viable solutions.
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with design, analysis, integration, and test methods, tools, and processes related to mechanical, propulsion, structures, fluids, and/or environmental systems at the subsystem and component level.
• Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as NX, SolidWorks, ANSYS, or similar including advanced understanding of detail drawing standards and GD&T.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously and meet challenging deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a proven track record of innovative solutions in mechanical engineering.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including senior management and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, material sciences, and their impact on mechanical systems.
• Experience with end-item or vehicle-level testing and validation, including the ability to design and execute complex test plans.

Compensation

Pay Range

$137,386.00 - $188,926.75

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.

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.