Chief Engineer, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)

Job description

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 Chief Engineer will provide technical leadership and guidance to a major program or programs, ensuring successful technical execution. The primary responsibility of this role is to maintain the technical baseline for the program. This involves overseeing the design, development, and testing of systems and components, solving complex technical problems, and adjudicating gaps in the as-designed versus as-built/as-tested configuration. The Chief Engineer will act as a senior leader within the program team, providing expert technical direction on complex multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring technical feasibility to achieve mission success. This position requires multidisciplinary engineering expertise and the ability to build and execute strategies across programs. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and guidance to major programs, ensuring successful technical execution and maintaining the technical baseline for these programs. You will chair program Engineering Review Boards, ensuring changes are appropriately captured in the requirement baseline, and Failure Review Boards, adjudicating gaps and determining root cause corrective actions when qualification or flight hardware, software, or systems do not meet their requirements. You will oversee the design, development, and testing of systems and components while serving as an advisor across all programs and solving the most challenging technical problems spanning multiple initiatives. Driving the resolution of technical issues, you will provide expert-level problem-solving and act as the final authority and decision maker on how to address customer problems. You will take an active role in program milestone meetings and proposals, partnering with IPT Leads for work breakdown tasking and structure. Embodying the company's culture and leadership values, you will act as a catalyst for change, building strategies and identifying steps needed to execute them across programs. You will translate technical strategies into executable plans, making final decisions on technical problems, guiding execution, and ensuring effectiveness. Upholding and modeling company values, you will hold others accountable to these standards while interacting with internal and external executive-level management. You will drive innovation in engineering practices, stay current with emerging technologies, and contribute to the development of technical strategies and roadmaps to support long-term organizational 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. Minimum Qualifications: Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +14 yrs experience). Typically requires 16+ years of related experience. Multidisciplinary engineering expertise and subject matter expert for a single program of significance. Demonstrated experience leading significant projects, interacting cross-functionally, and driving engineering decisions. Demonstrated use of first principles to plan and execute required analysis for a program life cycle. Experience acting as a technical advisor, providing expert guidance and recommendations on complex engineering projects, ensuring technical accuracy and feasibility. Upholds and models company values; ability to hold others accountable to values. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices. Able to build strategy; identify and implement the steps needed to execute strategy across programs. The ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required Preferred Qualifications: Master's or Ph.D. in engineering, aerospace, or a related discipline, providing a deeper understanding of complex technical concepts and advanced problem-solving skills. Possess advanced RPO & GNC technical knowledge and experience, working knowledge of industry trends and historical context Background in GNC, with emphasis on navigation Experience in satellite flight programs Understanding of computer vision Understanding of RPO test techniques Extensive experience in the aerospace industry or a closely related field, with a proven track record of successful project execution and technical leadership. Demonstrated ability to drive innovation within engineering practices, staying current with emerging technologies, and implementing cutting-edge solutions to enhance program performance and efficiency. Exceptional leadership abilities with a proven capacity to influence, inspire, and drive change within engineering teams and across the organization. Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers. Solid experience in program management, including planning, execution, and oversight of large-scale engineering projects. Ability to manage resources, timelines, and budgets effectively. Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement long-term technical strategies and roadmaps that align with organizational objectives. Proven ability to work effectively with executive-level management, providing clear and concise technical insights and recommendations. Experience presenting complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies. Ability to represent the company in technical discussions and negotiations. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across different functions within the organization, including operations, finance, and business development, to achieve common goals. A strong commitment to continuous improvement, with a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements and best practices within the engineering function. A history of technical publications or patents that demonstrate thought leadership and contributions to the field of engineering. Relevant professional certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, Project Management Professional (PMP), or certifications in specific technical areas relevant to the role. Compensation : Pay Range: $198,936.00 - $273,537.00 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: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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. 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 .