Chief Engineer (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

About The Position

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 Chief Engineer will provide technical leadership and guidance to a major program or programs, ensuring successful technical execution. The primary responsibility of this role is to maintain the technical baseline for the program. This involves overseeing the design, development, and testing of systems and components, solving complex technical problems, and adjudicating gaps in the as-designed versus as-built/as-tested configuration. The Chief Engineer will act as a senior leader within the program team, providing expert technical direction on complex multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring technical feasibility to achieve mission success. This position requires multidisciplinary engineering expertise, leadership focus on addressing technical issues, burning down technical risks, holding technical teams accountable for performing to their requirements and be required to build and execute strategies across the development program. 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.

Requirements

An active Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +14 yrs experience).
Typically requires 16+ years of related experience.
Multidisciplinary engineering expertise and subject matter expert for a single program of significance.
Demonstrated experience leading significant projects, interacting cross-functionally, and driving engineering decisions.
Demonstrated use of first principles to plan and execute required analysis for a program life cycle.
Experience acting as a technical advisor, providing expert guidance and recommendations on complex engineering projects, ensuring technical accuracy and feasibility.
Upholds and models company values; ability to hold others accountable to values.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
Able to build strategy; identify and implement the steps needed to execute strategy across programs.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master's or Ph.D. in engineering, aerospace, or a related discipline, providing a deeper understanding of complex technical concepts and advanced problem-solving skills.
Extensive experience in the aerospace industry or a closely related field, with a proven track record of successful project execution and technical leadership.
Demonstrated ability to drive innovation within engineering practices, staying current with emerging technologies, and implementing cutting-edge solutions to enhance program performance and efficiency.
Exceptional leadership abilities with a proven capacity to influence, inspire, and drive change within engineering teams and across the organization.
Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.
Solid experience in program management, including planning, execution, and oversight of large-scale engineering projects.
Ability to manage resources, timelines, and budgets effectively.
Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement long-term technical strategies and roadmaps that align with organizational objectives.
Proven ability to work effectively with executive-level management, providing clear and concise technical insights and recommendations.
Experience presenting complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
Ability to represent the company in technical discussions and negotiations.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across different functions within the organization, including operations, finance, and business development, to achieve common goals.
A strong commitment to continuous improvement, with a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements and best practices within the engineering function.
A history of technical publications or patents that demonstrate thought leadership and contributions to the field of engineering.
Relevant professional certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, Project Management Professional (PMP), or certifications in specific technical areas relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

Maintaining the technical baseline for the program.
Overseeing the design, development, and testing of systems and components.
Solving complex technical problems.
Adjudicating gaps in the as-designed versus as-built/as-tested configuration.
Providing expert technical direction on complex multidisciplinary engineering projects.
Ensuring technical feasibility to achieve mission success.
Addressing technical issues.
Burning down technical risks.
Holding technical teams accountable for performing to their requirements.
Building and executing strategies across the development program.