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Principal Material Science Engineer – Propulsion Systems & Thrusters Verified today

Sierra Space · 2 Locations · Propulsion · first seen 2026-09-03
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About the Role

As a Principal Material Science Engineer at Sierra Space, you will lead significant projects in aerospace material sciences for propulsion systems and thrusters. You will apply advanced technical principles and theories to develop innovative solutions and rigorous analyses for complex technical challenges.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Lead development, analysis, and application of materials used in propulsion systems and thrusters
  • Apply advanced technical principles to provide innovative solutions for complex engineering problems
  • Develop and document detailed technical data, reports, and presentations for critical engineering projects and strategic decision-making
  • Work under consultative direction with considerable autonomy in determining technical approaches
  • Contribute to development of new principles and concepts in material sciences
  • Lead projects or significant aspects of programs to ensure successful implementation of innovative solutions
  • Collaborate with senior personnel across disciplines to integrate material science solutions into broader engineering projects
  • Represent the organization as a technical expert in high-level meetings, contracts, and strategic discussions
  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers
  • Participate in and lead technical reviews, strategy sessions, and innovation initiatives

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree, or Masters plus 10 years experience)
  • Typically 12 or more years of related experience
  • Advanced knowledge in material sciences
  • Ability to apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts
  • Capability to contribute to development of new principles and concepts
  • Ability to provide solutions to unusually complex technical problems requiring 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 testing; familiarity with elevated and cryogenic temperature materials testing
  • 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 and ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills for cross-functional teams
  • Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences
  • Experience 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 representing the organization to external stakeholders such as suppliers, partners, and industry bodies

Compensation

Pay Range: $151,905.00 to $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.

Employment Requirements

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.

Benefits

Sierra Space offers 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.