Principal Material Science Engineer – Propulsion Systems & Thrusters

Sierra Space builds the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Our team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

About the Role

As a Principal Material Science Engineer you will 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 for propulsion systems and thrusters. Working under consultative direction, you will drive projects toward long‑range goals, ensure technical excellence, and provide detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support critical engineering projects and strategic decision‑making. You will have considerable autonomy in determining technical approaches, mentor other engineers, represent the organization as a technical expert in high‑level meetings and contracts, and lead technical reviews, strategy sessions, and innovation initiatives.

About You

We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries, relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve, and empower. You should align with our values, mission, and goals while meeting the qualifications below.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree) or a Master’s degree with 10+ years of experience.
• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge in material sciences.
• Ability to apply increasingly 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 requiring ingenuity and creativity.
• Ability to work under consultative direction toward predetermined long‑range goals and objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes, especially metallic additive manufacturing and related 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 convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience communicating technical information to external stakeholders such as suppliers and partners.
• Familiarity with aerospace materials regulatory standards and compliance requirements (e.g., NASA‑STD‑6016, NASA‑STD‑6030, NASA‑STD‑6033, SMC‑S‑009, SMC‑S‑011, MMPDS).
• Experience representing the organization to external stakeholders such as suppliers, partners, and industry bodies.
• Ability to obtain/maintain Top Secret or higher U.S. Security Clearance may be required.

Compensation

Pay Range: $151,905.00 – $208,869.75. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
• Life insurance
• Three weeks paid time off
• Additional generous benefit offerings

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Commerce.