Mechanical Engineer III

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 Mechanical Engineer III role focuses on providing imaginative and practical solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are consistent with organizational objectives. The position requires a complete understanding and application of technical principles, standards, theories, and concepts, as well as general knowledge of related disciplines. The role involves working independently under general direction, taking ownership of discrete technical packages as a Responsible Engineer (RE), and providing guidance to less experienced engineers. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data, preparing detailed technical documentation, and frequently communicating with external stakeholders to support project requirements and objectives.

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.

Job Description:

Support and execute ground operations for test, launch, and landing campaigns at sites across multiple facilities. Perform spacecraft and launch vehicle processing activities including MES authoring, procedure validation, integration operations, and post-flight recovery. Execute hazardous operations procedures, maintain facility protocols, and verify compliance with range safety and quality requirements. Coordinate with cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, launch vehicle providers, and range operations to support mission success. Document processing activities, anomalies, and lessons learned. Travel required to support field operations at government-regulated aerospace facilities and commercial spaceports during campaign execution phases.

• Support spacecraft processing from end of production through integrated test into launch and landing including: MES authoring and ownership, procedure validation, payload integration, propellant loading operations, electrical and mechanical checkouts, configuration management, flight hardware handling and logistics coordination.
• Perform spacecraft integration activities with launch vehicles, including mating to adapters, encapsulation within payload fairings, and interface verification. Validate Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and verify compliance with launch provider requirements.
• Execute hazardous procedures for propellant loading and other critical activities while maintaining clean room protocols to prevent contamination. Verify compliance with range safety requirements and quality standards. Support risk assessments for non-standard operations. Document processing activities and anomalies and incorporate lessons learned into procedures and processes.
• Support coordination with launch vehicle teams, range operations, mission/flight operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders. Communicate with external stakeholders including program customers and launch providers during launch campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work under general direction to independently identify and resolve design goals and challenges.
• Take design engineering ownership of small programs and/or discrete technical packages that may include role as Responsible Engineer (RE).
• Collect and analyze data related to mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, structural analysis, or environmental systems.
• Provide solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are imaginative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organization objectives.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation and reports to communicate findings and support project objectives.
• Provide excellent mentoring and coaching abilities to junior engineers, fostering their technical and professional development.
• Work effectively within cross-functional teams to achieve project goals and meet deadlines.
• Frequently communicate with external and internal stakeholders to support project objectives and deliver quality products on time in budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +3 yrs experience).
• Typically 5+ years of related experience.
• Expertise in Mechanical Engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques and general knowledge of related disciplines.
• Experience managing discrete technical packages as a Responsible Engineer (RE).
• Ability to provide guidance to entry-level engineers.
• Ability to provide solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are imaginative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organization objectives.
• Ability to work under general direction to independently determine and develop approaches to solutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of design, analysis, and test methods, tools, and processes related to mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, and/or environmental systems.
• Proficiency with engineering CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar, including advanced understanding of detail drawing standards and GD&T.
• Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, demonstrating effective collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, material sciences, and their impact on mechanical systems.
• Experience with end-item testing and validation, including the ability to design and execute complex test plans.

Compensation:

Pay Range:
$110,664.00 - $152,184.00

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.

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.

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.