Ground Operations Engineer II

About the role

The Ground Operations Engineer II role focuses on providing solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity related to mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, or environmental systems. The position involves frequent use and application of technical principles, standards, theories, and concepts in engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Support and execute ground operations for test, launch, and landing campaigns at sites across multiple facilities.
• Perform spacecraft and launch vehicle processing activities including MES authoring, procedure validation, integration operations, and post-flight recovery.
• Execute hazardous operations procedures, maintain facility protocols, and verify compliance with range safety and quality requirements.
• Cook with cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, launch vehicle providers, and range operations to support mission success.
• Document processing activities, anomalies, and lessons learned.
• Travel required to support field operations at government-regulated aerospace facilities and commercial spaceports during campaign execution phases.
• Support spacecraft processing from end of production through integrated test into launch and landing including: MES authoring and ownership, procedure validation, payload integration, propellant loading operations, electrical and mechanical checkouts, configuration management, flight hardware handling and logistics coordination.
• Perform spacecraft integration activities with launch vehicles, including mating to adapters, encapsulation within payload fairings, and interface verification.
• Validate Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and verify compliance with launch provider requirements.
• Execute hazardous procedures for propellant loading and other critical activities while maintaining clean room protocols to prevent contamination.
• Verify compliance with range safety requirements and quality standards.
• Support risk assessments for non-standard operations.
• Document processing activities and anomalies and incorporate lessons learned into procedures and processes.
• Support coordination with launch vehicle teams, range operations, mission/flight operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate with external stakeholders including program customers and launch providers during launch campaigns.

Requirements

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
• Typically 2+ years of related experience.
• Strong understanding of Mechanical Engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Experience applying application of technical principles, standards, theories, and concepts.
• Ability to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Ability to work in a team and independently with general guidance from senior engineers.
• Clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts and information.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with design, analysis, and test methods related to mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, and/or environmental systems.
• Proficiency with engineering CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar including advanced understanding of detail drawing standards and GD&T.
• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, material sciences, and their impact on mechanical systems.

Benefits

Pay Range: $90,707.00 - $124,744.25 Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Elevate Your Career

Your career at Sierra Space is more than just a job. It’s a journey of growth, innovation, and making a difference. We believe in empowering our employees to reach their full potential and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. From our state-of-the-art facilities to our cutting-edge technology, we’re dedicated to creating an environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Company Information

We are Sierra Space, a leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets, and enable space exploration. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.