Technical Fellow, Software Engineering (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space•Centennial, CO

About The Position

The Technical Fellow will provide advanced technical leadership and guidance within a focused technical field, ensuring successful technical execution and innovation across multiple programs. Develop and maintain technical road maps, which depict how internal research and development programs dovetail into program plans for significant game changing upgrades and enhancements. This role involves overseeing applied research or advanced engineering in the development of new products, materials, or processes, solving complex technical problems, and driving technical advancements. The Technical Fellow will act as a technical advisor, providing expert guidance and recommendations on complex engineering projects, ensuring technical accuracy and feasibility. This position requires industry-leading subject matter expertise and the ability to shape the technical direction for Sierra Space. In this role, you will develop and maintain technical roadmaps that depict how internal research and development programs align with program plans for significant game-changing upgrades and enhancements. You will oversee applied research or advanced engineering in the development of new products, materials, or processes, while directing and coordinating activities necessary to complete major projects requiring a wide variety of technical expertise. Leading program Tiger Teams, you will resolve major issues in your specific area of expertise and consult with senior management and various departments on advanced technical challenges. Working across all programs, you will act as an advisor in your field of focus and take responsibility for solving the most complex technical problems spanning multiple programs. You will shape the technical direction for Sierra Space, innovate breakthrough technologies, and drive alignment between technical strategies and business objectives, making an impact on the high-tech industry at large. As a thought leader, you will provide technical vision to Sierra Space and the broader industry, guiding groundbreaking projects and fostering a culture of excellence within teams. Mentoring and advising other engineers, you will contribute to the growth of the next generation of technical leadership while collaborating with other thought leaders to form a vibrant community of diverse experts. Sharing insights, staying at the cutting edge of technology, and presenting to the ELT biennially to communicate achievements, technical direction, and business alignment will be key responsibilities. You will be evaluated annually through Sierra Space’s standard performance management process and represent Sierra Space at industry conferences, technical forums, and professional gatherings. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of technical strategies and roadmaps to support long-term organizational objectives.

Requirements

Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +18 yrs experience).
Typically requires 20+ years of related experience.
An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.
Industry-leading subject matter expert within a focused technical field (generally single discipline) with recognized industry-wide technical contributions.
Experience acting as a technical advisor, providing expert guidance and recommendations on complex engineering projects, ensuring technical accuracy and feasibility.
Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive technical advancements in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment; inventing new capability.
Proven experience in developing and implementing technical strategies that align with organizational goals and drive long-term success.
U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related field (preferred).
Master's or Ph.D. in engineering, aerospace, or a related discipline.
Proven background delivering complex defense software for space applications.
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

Provide advanced technical leadership and guidance within a focused technical field.
Ensure successful technical execution and innovation across multiple programs.
Develop and maintain technical road maps.
Oversee applied research or advanced engineering in the development of new products, materials, or processes.
Solve complex technical problems and drive technical advancements.
Act as a technical advisor, providing expert guidance and recommendations on complex engineering projects.
Ensure technical accuracy and feasibility.
Direct and coordinate activities necessary to complete major projects requiring a wide variety of technical expertise.
Lead program Tiger Teams to resolve major issues.
Consult with senior management and various departments on advanced technical challenges.
Act as an advisor in your field of focus across all programs.
Take responsibility for solving the most complex technical problems spanning multiple programs.
Shape the technical direction for Sierra Space.
Innovate breakthrough technologies.
Drive alignment between technical strategies and business objectives.
Provide technical vision to Sierra Space and the broader industry.
Guide groundbreaking projects.
Foster a culture of excellence within teams.
Mentor and advise other engineers.
Collaborate with other thought leaders to form a vibrant community of diverse experts.
Share insights and stay at the cutting edge of technology.
Present to the ELT biennially to communicate achievements, technical direction, and business alignment.
Contribute to the development of technical strategies and roadmaps to support long-term organizational objectives.
Represent Sierra Space at industry conferences, technical forums, and professional gatherings.