Principal Material Science Engineer – Propulsion Systems & Thrusters

Sierra Space•Murphy, WI

50d

About The Position

As a Principal Material Science Engineer at Sierra Space, you will bring your extensive experience and advanced knowledge to lead significant projects and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in aerospace material sciences. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to develop and implement innovative solutions. Working under consultative direction, you will drive projects towards predetermined long-range goals and objectives, ensuring technical excellence and strategic alignment. In this role, you will lead the development, analysis, and application of materials used in propulsion systems and thrusters, leveraging advanced knowledge in material sciences. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to provide innovative solutions and rigorous analyses for complex technical challenges, while developing and documenting detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support critical engineering projects and strategic decision-making. Working under consultative direction towards predetermined long-range goals and objectives, you will have considerable autonomy in determining technical approaches. You will contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in material sciences, enhancing the organization's technical capabilities, and lead projects or significant aspects of programs to ensure successful development and implementation of innovative solutions. Collaborating with senior personnel across disciplines, you will integrate material science solutions into broader engineering projects and programs. Representing the organization as a technical expert, you will participate in high-level meetings, contracts, and strategic discussions both within and outside of Sierra Space. Additionally, you will mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers, fostering professional development and enhancing team effectiveness. You will also participate in and lead technical reviews, strategy sessions, and innovation initiatives, driving the advancement of material sciences within the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +10 yrs experience).
Typically 12+ years of related experience.
Advanced knowledge in material sciences.
Ability to apply increasing degrees of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts.
Capability to contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.
Ability to provide solutions to unusually complex technical problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
Ability to work under consultative direction towards predetermined long-range goals and objectives.

Nice To Haves

Experience with advanced manufacturing processes, especially metallic additive manufacturing processes and materials.
Experience with hypergolic propulsion systems.
Experience with refractory alloys, other high temperature alloys, and protective coatings.
Experience with material characterization and test techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, tensile, fatigue, creep, and fracture.
Familiarity with elevated and/or cryogenic temperature materials testing.
Experience with failure analysis techniques and root cause analysis.
Proven track record of successful leadership and ownership of technical projects from concept through completion.
Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or COMSOL for material analysis and simulation.
Familiarity with materials selection software like CES Selector.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities effectively.
Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Experience in communicating technical information to external stakeholders such as suppliers and partners.
Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements in aerospace materials; such as NASA-STD-6016, NASA-STD-6030, NASA-STD-6033, SMC-S-009, SMC-S-011, and MMPDS.
Experience in representing the organization to external stakeholders such as suppliers, partners, and industry bodies.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, analysis, and application of materials used in propulsion systems and thrusters.
Apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to provide innovative solutions and rigorous analyses for complex technical challenges.
Develop and document detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support critical engineering projects and strategic decision-making.
Contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in material sciences.
Lead projects or significant aspects of programs to ensure successful development and implementation of innovative solutions.
Collaborate with senior personnel across disciplines to integrate material science solutions into broader engineering projects and programs.
Represent the organization as a technical expert in high-level meetings, contracts, and strategic discussions.
Mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers.
Participate in and lead technical reviews, strategy sessions, and innovation initiatives.