Sr Project Engineer

sierraspace; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space seeks a Senior Project Engineer to lead medium-sized, technically complex projects, ensuring integration of engineering solutions while meeting cost and schedule targets. You will guide cross-functional teams, develop Basis of Estimates, and manage supplier performance with a focus on quality and schedule adherence.

You will coordinate with Engineering and Program Office, communicate progress, and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +6 yrs experience).
• Typically, 8+ years of related experience.
• Strong technical foundation with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Understanding of key programmatic disciplines (e.g., Cost/Schedule management).
• Ability to lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects.
• Extensive technical expertise and experience in the relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven track record of successfully leading technical teams through project execution.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to handle complex engineering design evaluations and resolve issues.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Progressive experience managing projects across the entire development life cycle.
• Expertise in project management techniques and processes, including EVMS, CAM, or equivalent.
• Expertise in the implementation and execution of effective risk and opportunity management.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter experts of varying functional disciplines to drive project outcomes.
• Clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide technical estimation support for Basis of Estimates, Proposals, and Contracts.
• Conduct high-impact trade studies and lead technical evaluations.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage supplier relationships and SOWs.
• Support Program Management Teams with Risk and Cost/Schedule management.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders, communicating plans and actions.
• Report KPIs and Technical Performance Metrics to leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement and bridge gaps between Engineering and Program offices.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in related field or

8+ years of related experience

Strong technical foundation

Leadership capabilities

Cost/Schedule management

Cross-functional team leadership

Project management

EVMS CAM experience

Risk management

Communication skills

Program integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

EVMS

CAM

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 Senior Project Engineer role involves leading and executing medium-sized technical projects, ensuring the successful integration of engineering solutions, and driving innovation within the team. This position requires a strong technical foundation, extensive engineering expertise, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. The role includes overseeing the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects, managing key programmatic functions, and ensuring projects 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 +6 yrs experience).
• Typically, 8+ years of related experience.
• Strong technical foundation with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Understanding of key programmatic disciplines (e.g., Cost/Schedule management).
• Ability to lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects.
• Extensive technical expertise and experience in the relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven track record of successfully leading technical teams through project execution.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to handle complex engineering design evaluations and resolve issues.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Progressive experience managing projects across the entire development life cycle.
• Expertise in project management techniques and processes, including EVMS, CAM, or equivalent.
• Expertise in the implementation and execution of effective risk and opportunity management.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter experts of varying functional disciplines to drive project outcomes.
• Clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experiences with a significant focus on project management.
• Experience with material acquisition.
• Experience with supply chain management.
• Professional Certifications: Project Managem