Principal Project Engineer

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 Principal Project Engineer role involves leading and executing large-scale technical projects, ensuring the successful integration of engineering solutions, and driving innovation within the team. This position requires a strong technical foundation, extensive engineering expertise, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. The role includes overseeing the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects, managing key programmatic functions, and ensuring projects meet technical specifications and quality standards as well as cost & schedule constraints. This role serves as a bridge between the Engineering and Program Office on a given project.

In this role, you will lead large cross-functional teams to accomplish high-impact projects, such as Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), key business development projects or proposals, small programs, or medium-to-large Independent Research and Development (IRAD) projects. You will oversee the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects while playing a key role in the development of Proposals, Contracts, and Basis of Estimates by identifying and estimating scope, cost, and schedule. Ensuring that projects meet technical specifications and quality standards will be a critical responsibility, as will conducting high-impact trade studies and leading technical evaluations. You will provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, manage high-impact suppliers by developing and negotiating scope, creating and managing statements of work and contracts, addressing supplier issues, and monitoring their cost and schedule performance. Additionally, you will support Program Managers by leading key programmatic functions, including program standup, cost/schedule performance, major programmatic execution functions, and program control and governance. Interfacing directly with key customers and Program Managers, you will provide status updates and key insights on project progress to senior leadership, develop metrics and performance baselines, and manage return-to-green paths for critical program issues. You will communicate and coordinate effectively across engineering and functional teams, providing clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions. Furthermore, you will drive innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering team and serve as a bridge between Engineering and Program offices, acting as a leading voice on behalf of all stakeholders, including support functions and customers, to resolve conflicts and ensure project success.

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 Masters +10 yrs experience).
• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Professional Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Prior experience with a significant focus on project management and leadership.
• Strong technical, leadership, and programmatic foundation with a deep understanding of how projects/programs are run.
• Ability to lead large cross-functional teams to accomplish high-impact projects.
• Deep technical expertise and experience in the relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to oversee the technical execution of projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to ensure projects are completed within budget and scheduling constraints.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced knowledge of project management techniques and processes, including EVMS, CAM, or equivalent.
• Advanced knowledge of implementation and execution of effective risk and opportunity management.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter experts of varying functional disciplines to drive project outcomes.
• Competent in project management and advisory methodologies.
• Clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required