Director - Integrated Vehicle Test Engineering and Operations

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Integrated Spacecraft Test Engineering leads our Integrated Vehicle Test Group, providing strategic leadership and technical expertise for the comprehensive development, integration, testing, and validation of spacecraft systems throughout the entire product lifecycle. This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing and executing a unified approach to spacecraft testing across all development phases, ensuring operational excellence and program success through cross-functional collaboration and rigorous validation processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or related field) required
12+ years of experience with spacecraft systems engineering, integration, and testing
5+ years of leadership experience in spacecraft test engineering or related field
Demonstrated experience as a Lead Systems Engineer, Integration & Test Manager, or equivalent role on spacecraft or satellite programs
Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft systems design, development, assembly, integration, and testing
Experience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle, from concept development through launch and landing operations
Strong understanding of integration flows, test sequencing, and verification methodologies
Expertise in environmental test planning and execution (TVAC, vibration, acoustic, EMI/EMC, shock, etc)
Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for spacecraft integration and environmental testing
Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional technical teams in a fast-paced environment
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills
Strong program management capabilities with experience managing complex technical projects
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior decision-makers
Experience with budget planning, resource allocation, and personnel development
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance appropriate to the position
Willingness to travel up to 25% as required to support program needs during environmental test and launch campaigns
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.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Direct the development and execution of the organization's integrated spacecraft test strategy aligned with business objectives and program requirements
Establish and maintain a full program lifecycle concept of operations for integrated vehicle testing
Build and Lead a multi-disciplinary department that unifies vehicle testing across all development phases
Develop specialized expertise in integrated vehicle testing methodologies across the organization
Foster a collaborative environment that maximizes knowledge sharing and problem-solving
Develop and release baseline program test plans with complete engineering definitions in coordination with Systems Engineering teams
Coordinate continuously with Systems Engineering and Program teams to evaluate and plan requirements and test events
Ensure all integrated test efforts align with program schedules and requirements
Identify integration and test risks, assess mitigation strategies, and provide independent recommendations to stakeholders
Facilitate escalation and communication of data driven risk and mitigation options with respect to cost, schedule and technical.
Facilitate decision path in response to program challenges, or technical issues.
Oversee system-level integration of subsystems and components (mechanical, electrical, software)
Identify demand for Flight Support Equipment needed to execute full program lifecycle test campaigns (EGSE, MGSE, STE)
Provide lab level facilities and labor resources for early hardware/software product development and integration
Identify demand for R&D level test equipment and cabling in development phase of hardware and software integration
Manage verification/validation and environmental test campaigns (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, etc.)
Develop and release execution level products for test events including procedures, ground software scripts, and special test equipment
Deploy certified personnel for lab level, subsystem, and integrated system powered-on testing
Lead test anomaly and troubleshooting efforts, ensuring root cause identification and appropriate corrective actions
Support evaluation of readiness, including Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), integration milestones, and major program reviews
Maintain continuous coordination with Production, Ground Operations, and Program teams for performance to plan (cost and schedule)
Facilitate subsystem and system level hardware/software development, integration, test, and troubleshooting
Develop and maintain business alignment to Command Media and Product Realization relative to Integration and Test function
Communicate complex technical topics to senior decision-makers with varying technical backgrounds through clear briefings and written reports