Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream
We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.
At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn’t restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.
We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.
About the RoleAre you passionate about making a significant impact in the rapidly evolving space industry? As a Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will use your skills and expertise to lead functional teams through the development and execution of advanced manufacturing processes for cutting-edge space products and services, from spacecraft mechanisms, actuators, and motors to ECLSS systems and other major spacecraft sub-assemblies. This role requires technical proficiency, leadership, and innovation in a fast-paced environment. It offers pioneering opportunities for long-term career growth in a dynamic industry, perfect for someone eager to make a meaningful impact with a diverse range of groundbreaking projects.
About the Team:
The Mechanical Sub-Systems Manufacturing Engineering Team is a dedicated team that specializes in supplying design for manufacturing feedback, build planning, and build support of space flight hardware. Our team works on a wide range of projects that support our broader company portfolio, including satellites, spacecraft, habitats, and other space-related hardware for both internal and external customers.
By integrating efforts from design, supply chain, production, and manufacturing teams, we aim to deliver flight-ready subsystems for testing and launch. Our goal is to deliver high-quality, reliable spaceflight hardware that meets the rigorous demands of space missions.
About the Role:
In this role, you will lead the Mechanical Subsystems Manufacturing Engineering team, guiding multiple groups of engineers to collaborate effectively with design, production, and test teams.
Your main responsibility will be to ensure efficient product flow within and between our three U.S. production facilities on a wide array of products by leveraging PLM, MES, and ERP systems. You will champion the integration of manufacturing considerations from the early design stages, optimizing for efficiency, accuracy, and quality across each product line.
About You:
Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.
We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
Responsibilities:
Develop and Implement Build and Test Strategies:
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Formulate scalable build and test processes to ensure efficient, high-quality production.
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Create detailed process maps, SOPs, and identify automation opportunities.
Lead Initial Build and Test Efforts:
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Oversee inaugural build and test efforts, ensuring seamless design integration and proper sequencing of assembly processes.
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Develop manufacturing BOMs, generate work orders, and author specifications.
Establish and Optimize Work Cells:
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Design and set up initial work cells, considering assembly operations, tooling, and equipment requirements.
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Set and monitor production rate targets to optimize efficiency.
Ensure High Reliability and Resiliency in Design:
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Provide feedback and guidance to ensure design for high reliability, resiliency, redundancy, and fault tolerance.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product requirements and develop specifications for critical avionics module manufacturing.
Validate System Performance:
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Verify test coverage on flight or flight-representative hardware and ensure product performance meets specifications.
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Develop test cases, monitor performance, and implement test automation and data analysis.
Team Development and Culture Building:
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Identify staffing needs, recruit top talent, and provide training and mentorship.
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Foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in manufacturing operations.
Participate in Cross-Disciplinary Trade-Off Studies:
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Represent the mechanical sub-assemblies in vehicle-level trade-off studies to define and optimize flight architecture and implementation.
Leverage Experience:
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Utilize past experience with mechanical sub-assembly vendors and component suppliers to ensure reliable supply chain management.
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Be available to support integration of Mechanical Sub-assemblies into space vehicle systems.
Continuously Improve
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Lead efforts to expand and improve our PLM, MES, and ERP system capabilities to enable efficiency through automations and a living digital thread.
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Deploy tools, perform evaluations, and build partnerships between Manufacturing and Design engineering to facilitate product and process enhancement across teams.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor's of Science degree in a related discipline and typically 12 or more years of relevant technical experience
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Advanced knowledge of engineering principles and practices
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Extensive experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools, analysis and simulation
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Ability to work in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
Preferred Qualifications:
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Advanced degree in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, or a related discipline.
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Proven track record in a space or aerospace manufacturing setting.
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In-depth understanding of space craft subsystems, including structures, mechanisms, avionics, propulsion, and high-pressure systems.
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Demonstrated ability to create and implement processes from the ground up, with strong communication skills to engage a diverse team.
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Successful introduction of new aerospace hardware systems into manufacturing, testing, and production environments.
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Experience in implementing AS9100 quality standards.
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Proficiency in onboarding MES, PLM, and ERP systems.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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 U.S. Department of Commerce.
Elevate Your Career
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.
Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.
Estimated Starting Salary Range:$159,430.15 - $219,216.46
At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.
Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
What We Do
Sierra Space is building a shared ecosystem in space for scientific collaboration and innovation to benefit life on earth. With technologies that make space more affordable and accessible, we’re dedicated to creating a prosperous and secure space economy that will benefit all of humanity. Rapidly advancing toward the launch of the next generation of space transportation, the world’s first winged commercial spaceplane, the Dream Chaser®, will perform cargo supply and return missions for NASA - delivering up to 12,000 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) at a time.
Sierra Space is also the developer of the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) Habitat, a modular, three-story commercial habitation and science platform. The unique structure will provide opportunities for multiple businesses including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, to optimize zero gravity benefits.
The Dream Chaser Spaceplane and LIFE platform are central components of the joint partnership Orbital Reef commercial space station and mixed-use business park being developed in partnership with Blue Origin.
Why Work With Us
At Sierra Space, you’ll find a supportive, respectful and upbeat culture where your opinions matter and your personal contributions have impact.
If you’re thinking about your own next frontier, we’d love to help you explore it.
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