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Sr Chief Engineer - Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR)

Sierra Space
life insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Centennial
May 06, 2025
Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.

At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn't restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.

We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the RoleAs Sr Chief Engineer, you will be using your skills and expertise to support the execution of the business unit strategy, and provide technical leadership, guidance, and oversight for our integrated plan for product development including overseeing activities throughout the product lifecycle from design concept phase to release. These cover a very wide range from state of the art mission payloads and electronic systems to highly integrated aircraft. You will be responsible for overall technical direction within the business unit (BU) working closely with Chief Engineers to drive consistency of corporate strategy, guide the technical approach to programs, shape the direction of the BU engineering strategy, and assure customer satisfaction with the products and services provided. You'll be responsible for building and maintaining customer technical relationships with existing and new customers throughout Bid and Proposal (B&P), Research and Development (IR&D), and program execution phases. Additionally, you'll support overall BU technical performance, guiding proposed technical approaches, providing technical oversight, organizing project specific issue resolution, and technical aspects of Business Development activities. The role will drive BU-level technical staffing requirements and identify capability gaps in program execution, along with supporting indirect budget and capital expenditure requirements development and execution. About You:

Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream - to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly - to join us on this transformational journey.

We're looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelors of Science degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related field and typically 16 or more years of relevant technical experience

  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of program management, aviation, aerospace & defense, and/or engineering programs

  • Prior experience leading a team of Program Managers and the programs they are managing; ability to recruit employees; assign, direct, and evaluate their work; and oversee career development, succession planning, performance management, coaching, mentoring, as well as holding people accountable

  • Extensive experience estimating engineering and production aerospace programs

  • Experience directing the preparation of proposals, business plans, specifications, and approves basis of estimates and rough order of magnitudes for potential pursuits and ensuring all resources such as engineering, manpower, production and facilities are available to support the program

  • Demonstrated working knowledge of managing the cost, schedule and technical performance requirements of multiple programs through all phases from inception to completion

  • Proven track-record developing, communicating and executing to meet financial forecasts

  • Responsible for high-level relationship management internally (executive leadership, peers, support functions, and subordinates) and external customers; Interact internally with leaders and customers on business matters and partners with functional leadership towards success and continuous improvement

  • Responsible for customer satisfaction, maintaining customer communication, and the overall management of the customer relationship to determine needs, requirements and new business

  • Ability to manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo and demonstrate ability to adapt to dynamic situations

  • Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, strategic thinking, marketing, and literacy in the program management disciplines

  • Strong 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 ability to solve highly complex problems with significant business impact

  • Understanding of ITAR, licensing, and compliance requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Typically, 10-12 years of relevant leadership and/or project management experience

  • Previous ownership of P&L responsibilities

  • Previous management experience that includes understanding in Financial Management, Business Operations, Strategic Planning, Contracts, Risk Management, and Proposal Development

  • Ability to motivate others with a shared sense of vision or purpose.

  • Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies

  • Possess a strategic mindset, linking technology and business

  • Understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliance

  • Working knowledge of Program Management Institute Program Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and/or Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification

  • Prior experience managing projects using Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), agile and or spiral development models

  • Ability to lead Program Management process and tool improvement for the Business Unit

  • Ability to establish centralized, coordinating body for program concerns, recommendations, and issues; developing recommended process improvements; facilitating opportunities with corporate

  • Ability to establish new and further refining existing templates, tools, and guidelines for program documentation and execution

  • Experience with ensuring compliance with ISO 9001:2000 Policies and Processes

  • 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

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.

Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

We also offer 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, and more.

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.

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 Corporationis 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 withSierra Spaceor at any stage of the recruitment process, pleasecontact us.

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