Principal Mechanical Engineer (Thermal Control Systems)

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space 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. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About The Role

The Principal Mechanical Engineer role focuses on applying advanced Thermal Control Systems (TCS) 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 space vehicle programs, developing and implementing innovative solutions, and working under consultative direction toward long-range goals and objectives. 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 space vehicle Thermal Control Systems, serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE). You will manage all aspects of system and component design, analysis, development, and integration, including trade studies, layouts, architecture definition, system testing and verification, and production troubleshooting. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts 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 TCS contact on contracts and projects, you will work under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals. 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis efforts for multiple programs and complex space vehicle Thermal Control Systems (TCS), serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE).
• Manage all aspects of system and component design, analysis, development, and integration, including trade studies, layouts, architecture definition, system testing and verification, and production troubleshooting.
• Apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to engineering projects.
• Analyze and interpret data 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 TCS contact on contracts and projects.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +10 years experience).
• Typically, 12+ years of related experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in Thermal Control Systems 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.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with design, analysis, integration, and test methods, tools, and processes related to space vehicle Thermal Control Systems at the subsystem and component level (radiators, heaters, MLI, etc).
• Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as NX and Thermal Desktop.
• Experience with advanced data analysis tools and techniques used to derive actionable insights from complex datasets.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a proven track record of innovative solutions in mechanical engineering.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including senior management and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously and meet challenging deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, material sciences, and their impact on TCS.
• Advanced experience with end-item or vehicle-level testing and validation, including the ability to design and execute complex test plans.
• Experience in supporting pursuits and proposals, including generating, reviewing, and approving technical proposals and BOEs.

Pay

Pay Range: $167,096.00 - $229,757.00. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• 3 weeks paid time off.

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.