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Mechanical Engineer III - Thermal Systems

Sierra Space Corporation

Company websitesierraspace.com (Sierra Space Corporation, opens in new tab)

Base salary $110,664  to $152,184

Employer-published annual base salary, USD. Advertised base range in Centennial, CO +1 more

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  • LocationCentennial, CO +1 more
  • WorkplaceWorkplace not stated
  • Status at last checkSource accepting applications when checked
  • Last checked (1 h ago) · observed since
All places named
  • Centennial, CO
  • Louisville, CO

About this job

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 Mechanical Engineer III (Thermal Systems) role focuses on providing imaginative and practical solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are consistent with organizational objectives. The position requires a complete understanding and application of technical principles, standards, theories, and concepts, as well as general knowledge of related disciplines. The role involves working independently under general direction, taking ownership of discrete technical packages as a Responsible Engineer (RE), and providing guidance to less experienced engineers. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data, preparing detailed technical documentation, and frequently communicating with external stakeholders to support project requirements and objectives.

In this role, you will work under general direction to independently identify and resolve design goals and challenges. You will take design engineering ownership of small programs and/or discrete technical packages, which may include serving as a Responsible Engineer (RE). You will collect and analyze data related to mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, structural analysis, or environmental systems, providing solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are imaginative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organizational objectives. Preparing detailed technical documentation and reports to communicate findings and support project objectives will be a key part of your responsibilities. You will provide excellent mentoring and coaching to junior engineers, fostering their technical and professional development. Collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams, you will work to achieve project goals and meet deadlines. Additionally, you will frequently communicate with both external and internal stakeholders to support project objectives and ensure the delivery of quality products on time and within budget.

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 +3 yrs experience).
  • Typically 5+ years of related experience.
  • Expertise in Mechanical Engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques and general knowledge of related disciplines on aerospace platforms in space
  • Experience managing discrete technical packages as a Responsible Engineer (RE).
  • Ability to provide guidance to entry-level engineers.
  • Ability to provide solutions to wide-ranging technical problems that are imaginative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organization objectives.
  • Ability to work under general direction to independently determine and develop approaches to solutions.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong working knowledge of thermal design, analysis, and test methods, tools, and processes related to mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, and/or environmental systems.
  • Proficiency with themal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop.
  • Proficiency with engineering CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks, or similar, including advanced understanding of detail drawing standards and GD&T.
  • Experience with project management and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team, demonstrating effective collaboration skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, material sciences, and their impact on mechanical systems.
  • Experience with end-item testing and validation, including the ability to design and execute complex test plans.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$110,664.00 - $152,184.00

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.

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.

Source: Sierra Space Corporation on Workday · View original posting (opens in new tab)

Pay in context

This role's base floor ($110,664) is above 16% of the 179 Engineering (non-software) roles in Colorado listed on this site; 1 other lists the same floor. Their median floor is $129,776; the middle half runs from $114,000 to $144,179.

Only jobs on this site count, and each one publishes a base salary of $100,000 or more, so this compares six-figure jobs with each other, not with the whole market. Computed Nov 7, 2026.

This range next to 6 other live Sierra Space Corporation roles with the nearest advertised base floor
Chart as a table
This range next to 6 other live Sierra Space Corporation roles with the nearest advertised base floor
RolePublished base
Mechanical Engineer III - Thermal Systems (this listing)$110,664 - $152,184
Structural Analysis Engineer III (Clearance Required)$110,664 - $152,184
Mechanical Engineer III (Structures)$110,664 - $152,184
Manufacturing Engineer III$109,368 - $150,381
RF Engineer III$112,694 - $154,975
Assembly Integration & Test (AI&T) Engineer III$112,694 - $154,975
Assembly Integration & Test (AI&T) Engineer III$112,694 - $154,975

Same $100K to $400K scale as every card. All Sierra Space Corporation roles · How to read the bar

Observed changes

  1. First observed on the employer's board
  2. Began meeting the published-salary criteria
Observed since
Employer-stated posting date
2026-10-08
Where this pay comes from

Location as the employer wrote it: Centennial, CO • Louisville, CO

$110,664.00 - $152,184.00

Method
Employer text, read with fixed rules and re-verified
Checked
Rule set
us-base-v2

The pay passage appears in the employer's own job text. Fixed, deterministic rules located it, and the passage below was checked against the stored copy of the posting.

What we verified

  • The pay figures come from the employer's own listing, quoted exactly above.
  • The pay is an annual base salary in US dollars with a minimum of at least $100,000.
  • The role was publicly listed on the employer's job board when last checked.

We do not verify what the employer will actually offer, whether the employer is still recruiting for the role, or anything beyond what the employer published. Full methodology.