Principal Mechanical Engineer

Sierra Space•Broomfield, CO

11d•$167,096 - $229,757

About The Position

The Principal Mechanical Engineer role focuses on applying advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to engineering projects, as well as contributing to the development of new principles and concepts. The position involves leading projects or significant aspects of a program, developing and implementing innovative solutions, and working under consultative direction toward long-range goals and objectives. Responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams, analyzing and interpreting data, preparing detailed technical documentation, and mentoring junior engineers. This role is critical in driving innovation, ensuring successful project execution, and supporting the overall mission of the organization. In this role, you will lead design and analysis efforts for multiple programs and complex design activities, which may include serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE). You will manage all aspects of system and component design, development, and integration, including trade studies, layouts, architecture definition, system testing and verification, and troubleshooting. By applying advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts, you will contribute to engineering projects, utilizing data analysis and interpretation skills to evaluate test and simulation data, inform design decisions, and identify areas for improvement. You will interact with senior personnel across the organization on significant technical matters and prepare detailed technical documentation and reports to communicate findings and support project objectives. Representing the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects, you will work under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of new principles and concepts, driving innovation within the organization, and develop and implement innovative solutions and rigorous analyses to address complex technical challenges. Mentoring junior engineers and providing guidance on their technical and professional development will be an integral part of your responsibilities. Furthermore, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and refine system designs, ensuring they meet performance and safety requirements.

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.
Demonstrated expertise in Mechanical Engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
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

Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
10+ years of experience in deployable space structures design and analysis
Demonstrated expertise in system-level architecture development for spacecraft subsystems
Experience with structural performance modeling of deployable mechanisms
Experience leading trade studies and architecture selection processes
Proven ability to manage complex technical projects from concept to prototype
Knowledge of environmental testing protocols for space hardware development and qualification
Experience with spacecraft Electrical Power Systems (EPS) and solar array technologies, including power generation, distribution, and management systems
Proven track record in high-volume manufacturing environments with demonstrated ability to implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to spacecraft systems

Responsibilities

Lead design and analysis efforts for multiple programs and complex design activities, which may include serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE).
Manage all aspects of system and component design, development, and integration, including trade studies, layouts, architecture definition, system testing and verification, and troubleshooting.
Apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to engineering projects.
Utilize data analysis and interpretation skills to evaluate test and simulation data, inform design decisions, and identify areas for improvement.
Interact with senior personnel across the organization on significant technical matters.
Prepare detailed technical documentation and reports to communicate findings and support project objectives.
Represent the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects.
Work under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives.
Contribute to the development of new principles and concepts, driving innovation within the organization.
Develop and implement innovative solutions and rigorous analyses to address complex technical challenges.
Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on their technical and professional development.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and refine system designs, ensuring they meet performance and safety requirements.