Sr Material Science Engineer

Sierra Space•Middleton, WI

About The Position

As a Sr Material Science Engineer at Sierra Space, you will leverage your extensive experience and demonstrated expertise to lead and guide critical material science engineering efforts. You will apply your deep technical knowledge to provide innovative solutions to complex technical problems, often working independently and with considerable latitude. In this senior role, you will play a key part in major programs, potentially taking on project leadership responsibilities, and interacting with senior personnel across the organization. As the primary technical contact, you will represent Sierra Space on significant contracts and projects. In this role, you will lead the development, analysis, and application of materials used in aerospace systems, leveraging your demonstrated expertise in material sciences. You will apply extensive technical expertise and a working knowledge of related disciplines to solve complex technical problems with ingenuity and creativity. Developing and documenting detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support engineering projects and decision-making processes will be a key aspect of your responsibilities. Working independently with considerable latitude, you will determine technical objectives and approaches to assignments without appreciable direction. You will guide the successful completion of major programs, potentially serving in a project leadership role, and interact with cross-organizational senior personnel on significant technical matters, providing insights and driving engineering solutions. Representing the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects, you will ensure technical accuracy and alignment with project goals. Additionally, you will participate in technical reviews, strategy sessions, and high-level meetings, contributing expert insights and technical direction to advance organizational objectives. Mentoring and providing technical guidance to less experienced engineers will also be a key part of your role, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.

Requirements

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.
Demonstrated expertise in material sciences.
Ability to apply extensive technical expertise and has working knowledge of related disciplines.
Ability to provide solutions to complex technical problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
Capability to work without appreciable direction, requiring considerable latitude in determining technical objectives of assignments.
Ability to guide the successful completion of major programs and may function in a project leadership role.
Competence in interacting with cross-organizational senior personnel on significant technical matters.
Ability to represent the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects.
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.
U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or COMSOL for material analysis and simulation.
Experience applying materials science principles to manufacturing processes and production environments, with demonstrated success in practical implementation.
Experience with material characterization and test techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, tensile, fatigue, creep, and fracture.
Familiarity with materials selection software like CES Selector.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities effectively.
Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn and apply new concepts and methodologies.
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in material sciences and aerospace engineering.
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.
Proven track record of successful leadership and ownership of technical projects from concept through completion.
Experience in communicating technical information to external stakeholders such as suppliers and partners.
Knowledge of failure analysis techniques and root cause analysis.
Experience with advanced manufacturing processes, such as additive manufacturing processes and materials.
Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements in aerospace materials.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, analysis, and application of materials used in aerospace systems.
Apply extensive technical expertise and a working knowledge of related disciplines to solve complex technical problems with ingenuity and creativity.
Develop and document detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support engineering projects and decision-making processes.
Determine technical objectives and approaches to assignments without appreciable direction.
Guide the successful completion of major programs, potentially serving in a project leadership role.
Interact with cross-organizational senior personnel on significant technical matters, providing insights and driving engineering solutions.
Represent the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects.
Participate in technical reviews, strategy sessions, and high-level meetings, contributing expert insights and technical direction.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers.