About the RoleAs a Principal Material Science Engineer at Sierra Space, you will bring your extensive experience and advanced knowledge to lead significant projects and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in aerospace material sciences. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to develop and implement innovative solutions. Working under consultative direction, you will drive projects towards predetermined long-range goals and objectives, ensuring technical excellence and strategic alignment.
In this role, you will lead the development, analysis, and application of materials used in propulsion systems and thrusters, leveraging advanced knowledge in material sciences. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to provide innovative solutions and rigorous analyses for complex technical challenges, while developing and documenting detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support critical engineering projects and strategic decision-making. Working under consultative direction towards predetermined long-range goals and objectives, you will have considerable autonomy in determining technical approaches. You will contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in material sciences, enhancing the organization's technical capabilities, and lead projects or significant aspects of programs to ensure successful development and implementation of innovative solutions. Collaborating with senior personnel across disciplines, you will integrate material science solutions into broader engineering projects and programs. Representing the organization as a technical expert, you will participate in high-level meetings, contracts, and strategic discussions both within and outside of Sierra Space. Additionally, you will mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers, fostering professional development and enhancing team effectiveness. You will also participate in and lead technical reviews, strategy sessions, and innovation initiatives, driving the advancement of material sciences within the organization.
About YouMinimum 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.
- Advanced knowledge in material sciences.
- Ability to apply increasing degrees of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts.
- Capability to contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.
- Ability to provide solutions to unusually complex technical problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
- Ability to work under consultative direction towards predetermined long-range goals and objectives.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with advanced manufacturing processes, especially metallic additive manufacturing processes and materials.
- Experience with hypergolic propulsion systems.
- Experience with refractory alloys, other high temperature alloys, and protective coatings.
- Experience with material characterization and test techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, tensile, fatigue, creep, and fracture. Familiarity with elevated and/or cryogenic temperature materials testing a positive.
- Experience with failure analysis techniques and root cause analysis.
- Proven track record of successful leadership and ownership of technical projects from concept through completion.
- Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or COMSOL for material analysis and simulation.
- Familiarity with materials selection software like CES Selector.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities effectively.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Experience in communicating technical information to external stakeholders such as suppliers and partners.
- Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements in aerospace materials; such as NASA-STD-6016, NASA-STD-6030, NASA-STD-6033, SMC-S-009, SMC-S-011, and MMPDS.
- Experience in representing the organization to external stakeholders such as suppliers, partners, and industry bodies.
Compensation:Pay Range:
$151,905.00 - $208,869.75
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 CareerAt 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.
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. 
