Sr Project Engineer

Pace Industries, LLC; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 144,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) with match

3 weeks PTO

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead and execute medium-sized technical projects, ensuring integration of engineering solutions and on-time delivery. You will manage cross-functional teams, provide technical estimation, risk and cost/schedule management, and act as a bridge between Engineering and Program Office, communicating with customers and leadership.

The role includes overseeing design, development, supplier management, and ensuring compliance with quality standards

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects.
• Provide technical estimation to develop Basis of Estimates, Proposals, and Contracts.
• Manage suppliers by developing Statements of Work and return-to-green plans for supplier schedules.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders, communicating technical concepts and plans to leadership.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional teams

Communication skills

EVMS/CAM

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

CAD

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 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 on developing and managing project budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Compensation:

Pay Range: $143,700.00 - $197,608.50 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:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

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.

Application Deadline:

This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified. 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.

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.