Principal Material Science Engineer – Propulsion Systems & Thrusters Verified today

About the Role

As a Principal Material Science Engineer at Sierra Space, you will lead significant projects in propulsion systems and thrusters. You will develop, analyze, and apply advanced materials used in these systems, leveraging deep knowledge in material sciences.

Your responsibilities include:

• Lead development, analysis, and application of materials in propulsion systems and thrusters
• Apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to deliver innovative solutions for complex technical challenges
• Develop and document detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support engineering projects and strategic decision-making
• Contribute to development of new principles and concepts in material sciences
• Lead projects or significant program aspects to ensure successful development and implementation of innovative solutions
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate material science solutions into broader engineering projects
• Represent Sierra Space as a technical expert in high-level meetings, contracts, and strategic discussions internally and externally
• 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, or Masters degree plus 10+ years 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 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
• Experience with hypergolic propulsion systems
• Experience with refractory alloys, 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; elevated and 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 managing multiple complex tasks and priorities
• Teamwork and collaboration skills within cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication skills for conveying 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: 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
• Ability to obtain or maintain Top Secret or higher U.S. Security Clearance may be required

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.

Benefits

Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, and 3 weeks paid time off.

Additional 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.