Director Engineering

As Director Engineering, you will be using your skills and expertise to support the execution of the engineering strategy, provide technical leadership, guidance, and oversight in all phases of the integrated product development process. This includes the early phases of business development, through design and implementation to sell-off, deployment and support for our products and services. These cover a very wide range from state of the art mission payloads and electronic systems to highly integrated vehicles in all domains. You will build and lead an exceptional engineering team to innovate, invent, implement, and deploy complex technical solutions in a mission-critical environment. Your responsibilities include the review and approval of engineering design/documentation, risk/opportunity, quality, and modifications to meet the program schedules, goals, and budgets. You will own and continuously improve processes and procedures and provide technical direction as required.
Sierra Space-based in Louisville, CO with operations in Madison, WI, Durham, NC, Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX, and Kennedy Space Center, FL-designs and manufactures the Dream Chaser spaceplane and other advanced spacecraft, commercial space destinations, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers, and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space
Must Haves:

• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
• Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a related field
• Relevant experience may substitute for required education
• Progressive experience in all phases of design lifecycle management to include: requirements, design, integration, test, and sustainment
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of industry best practices and techniques for program management, science, and engineering programs
• Possess advanced technical knowledge and experience; working knowledge of industry trends and historical context
• Proven ability to work with department-level business leaders and to provide leadership within the workplace
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms; ability to tailor conversations to adapt to technical vs. non-technical audiences
• Proven leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews
• Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic thinking

Preferred:

• Typically 10-12+ years of relevant experience; 7+ years management experience
• Master's degree or higher in an Engineering or similar field of study
• Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies
• Previous management experience; ability to recruit employees; assign, direct, and evaluate their work; and oversee staffing development and maintenance
• Demonstrated passion for ideation and innovation, as well as motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose.
• Possess a strategic mindset, linking technology and business
• Team oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), NASA/Civil or commercial space and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

• Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps
• Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity
• Rarely lifting or carrying up to 25 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)
• Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials
• Rarely exposed to loud noises

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.
At Sierra Space we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. Sierra Space has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America's fastest-growing companies. Learn more about Sierra Space
With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products and services.
Estimated Starting Salary Range:
$186,100.35 - $279,150.52
Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
Sierra Space offers 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, tuition reimbursement, and more.
At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.