Sr Director, Total Rewards (Louisville)

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

The Senior Director of Total Rewards leads the strategic function that directly enables Sierra Space's mission by designing and delivering competitive, equitable, and innovative compensation and benefits programs that attract, retain, and engage top talent. This role partners closely with senior leaders to develop and execute a total rewards strategy aligned with business objectives, ensuring our compensation, benefits, and recognition programs support our growth trajectory and reinforce our unique culture.

Total Rewards is a mission‑critical capability that impacts our ability to compete for specialized talent in the aerospace and defense sectors while fostering an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute to our bold mission.

This leader will build and scale modern total rewards programs, leveraging data analytics and market intelligence to design offerings that meet diverse workforce needs while optimizing investment and ensuring compliance.

The Senior Director of Total Rewards oversees compensation strategy, benefits administration, equity programs, recognition initiatives, and wellness offerings through a holistic approach to rewarding performance and contribution. Additionally, this role serves as a key direct report and advisor to the Chief People Officer and partners in driving the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board, providing strategic guidance on executive compensation and equity programs.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve Sierra Space's total rewards strategy as a mission‑critical capability, aligned to business priorities, talent strategy, and financial objectives.
• Partner with senior leaders, executives, and HRBPs to develop competitive, equitable, and innovative compensation and benefits programs that attract and retain top talent.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing total rewards team, driving accountability, capability building, and operational excellence.
• Design, implement, and administer compensation programs including base pay, incentive plans, equity programs, and recognition initiatives that reward performance and reinforce our culture.
• Develop and manage comprehensive benefits offerings that support employee wellbeing, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and work‑life programs.
• Design, implement, and administer equity compensation plans, including stock options, restricted stock units, performance shares, and employee stock purchase programs that align employee interests with company success.
• Prepare comprehensive materials and recommendations for the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board, including executive compensation analyses, equity plan proposals and performance metrics aligned with business objectives and governance requirements.
• Provide expert guidance to the Board and Chief People Officer on total rewards matters.
• Strengthen total rewards operations through scalable processes, governance frameworks, and data‑informed decision tools.
• Establish and monitor key total rewards metrics and dashboards, including competitive positioning, cost management, and program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.
• Leverage compensation analytics, market intelligence and AI to inform strategy, improve outcomes, and anticipate changing workforce needs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and reporting requirements across all total rewards programs, with particular focus on equity plan administration and SEC disclosure requirements.
• Lead annual compensation planning cycles, including merit increases, bonus distributions, and equity grants.
• Develop and implement effective change management and communication strategies to help employees understand and appreciate the full value of their total rewards package, including the long‑term value of equity participation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in total rewards, compensation, or benefits administration.
• 7+ years leading total rewards or compensation teams.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders on compensation strategy and program design.
• Strong knowledge of compensation structures, job architecture, and benefits program design.
• Experience with compensation management systems and HRIS platforms.
• Proven ability to build and scale total rewards programs and operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and financial acumen.
• Experience designing, implementing, and administering equity compensation plans.
• Experience preparing materials and presentations for Board Committees.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading total rewards in technical, aerospace, defense, or engineering‑driven organizations.
• Extensive experience with equity compensation design, valuation methodologies, and administration practices.
• Strong understanding of executive compensation practices, governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting Management Development and Compensation Committees or similar Board‑level committees.
• Experience leading compensation and benefits efforts through a major business transformation such as M&A or IPO.
• Ability to balance competitive rewards offerings while optimizing ROI on total rewards investments.
• Knowledge of SEC disclosure requirements related to executive compensation and equity plans.
• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

Compensation

Pay Range: $212,175.00 – $291,741.00

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.

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.

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.

Sierra Space is an industry‑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.

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.