Sr Mechanical Engineer - Electric Propulsion (Clearance Required)

Pace Industries, LLC; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 137,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Sr Mechanical Engineer to lead design and analysis for complex propulsion and mechanical systems. The role requires extensive expertise and the ability to work with considerable latitude on technical objectives and solutions.

The ideal candidate will mentor junior engineers, collaborate across cross-functional teams, and represent the organization on contracts and projects while ensuring safety and performance requirements are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Active Top Secret security clearance required.
• Ability to lead design and analysis activities across complex programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis for multiple complex design activities, including trade studies.
• Serve as prime technical contact on contracts and projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Develop and communicate detailed technical documentation and verification plans.

Skills

Mechanical engineering fundamentals

TS/SCI clearance

Leadership and mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

GD&T

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 Sr Mechanical Engineer role has three primary requirements:

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

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.

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. 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.

Elevate Your Career At Sierra Space

Elevate Your Career At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. At Sierra Space, 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.

About Sierra Space

Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission‑proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight‑proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.