Principal Test Engineer (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space Careers: 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

As a Principal Test Engineer at Sierra Space, you will utilize your extensive experience and advanced knowledge in multiple areas of test engineering to lead complex testing and validation projects. You will design test strategies and frameworks, apply advanced technical principles, and lead cross-functional teams. Your role will involve mentoring other engineers and driving continuous improvement across the enterprise's testing functions.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute advanced and complex test plans, test procedures, and test reports to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
• Design and implement advanced test strategies and frameworks, integrating strong analytical skills and knowledge of automated testing tools.
• Develop and use programming skills for test script development to ensure robust and efficient testing processes.
• Apply increasingly advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts in the execution of Test Engineering functions.
• Advance the capabilities and efficiencies of the testing function across the enterprise through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize and refine various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies to support validation efforts and ensure the quality of aerospace systems and components.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the pursuit of continuous improvement, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Apply strong troubleshooting skills to solve complex testing problems, ensuring system integrity and performance.
• Frequently mentor other engineers, providing guidance and support to enhance their technical skills and professional development.
• Prepare and document detailed technical data, reports, and analyses to support engineering initiatives and project decision-making.
• Effectively communicate complex technical concepts and information to team members, senior engineers, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +10 yrs experience). Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.
• Advanced knowledge in multiple areas of test engineering principles and practices (dynamics, thermal, measurement, HSI, SW Test, Integration, etc.).
• Expertise in designing test strategies and frameworks, strong analytical skills, knowledge of automated testing tools, and programming skills for test script development.
• Experience applying increasing degrees of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts in the execution of Test Engineering job functions.
• Advance the capabilities and efficiencies of the test function across the enterprise.
• Proficient in various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot and solve complex testing problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, or TestStand for testing and validation.
• Experience with environmental testing equipment such as thermal chambers, vibration tables, and data acquisition systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-complexity tasks and priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn and apply new concepts and methodologies in test engineering.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in aerospace engineering.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams and lead initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of successful technical leadership and ownership of high-impact projects from concept through completion.

Compensation

Pay Range: $160,951.00 - $221,328.25 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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This position requires current/active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

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. We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Benefits

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

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

About Sierra Space

Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.

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