Principal Material Science Engineer - Contamination Control Lead

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

As a Principal Contamination Control Engineer at Sierra Space, you will bring your extensive experience and advanced knowledge to lead significant projects and contribute to the development of new principles and concepts in aerospace contamination control. You will apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to develop and implement innovative solutions. Working under consultative direction, you will drive projects towards predetermined long-range goals and objectives, ensuring technical excellence and strategic alignment.

In this role, you will leverage knowledge in material sciences, chemistry, and physics to lead enterprise- and program-level contamination control requirements, development, analysis, and application on a variety of aerospace systems, including satellites, optics, solar arrays, propulsion, fluid systems, mechanisms, and various payloads. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining company and program contamination control plans and applying advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to provide innovative solutions and rigorous analyses for complex technical challenges, while developing and documenting detailed technical data, reports, and presentations to support critical engineering projects and strategic decision-making. You will have considerable autonomy in determining technical approaches under general direction. You will contribute to the development of new processes in contamination control, enhancing the organization's technical capabilities, and lead projects or significant aspects of programs to ensure successful development and implementation of innovative solutions. Collaborating with senior personnel across disciplines, you will integrate contamination control solutions into broader engineering projects and programs. Representing the organization as a technical expert, you will participate in high-level meetings, contracts, and strategic discussions both within and outside of Sierra Space. Additionally, you will mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers, fostering professional development and enhancing team effectiveness. You will also participate in and lead technical reviews, strategy sessions, and innovation initiatives, driving the advancement of contamination control within the organization.

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.
• Advanced knowledge in material sciences, chemistry, and/or physics.
• Ability to apply increasing degrees of advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts.
• Capability to contribute to the development of new principles and concepts.
• Ability to provide solutions to unusually complex technical problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
• Ability to work under consultative direction towards predetermined long-range goals and objectives.
• Ability to obtain/maintain Top Secret or higher U.S. Security Clearance is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with material characterization and test techniques such as GC/MS, FTIR, wet chemistry, and microscopy such as optical and SEM.
• Experience with surface cleanliness, precision cleaning processes, and particulate, molecular, and outgassing test methods (such as ASTM E595, ASTM E1559, ISO 14952, ASTM E1216, ASTM E1235, IEST-STD-CC1246, etc.)
• Experience in cleanrooms and airborne contamination control (such as ISO 14644, etc.)
• Experience with developing and implementing contamination control requirements and programs (ref. ASTM E1548, etc.)
• Experience with satellites, launch vehicle, propulsion and other fluid systems, and optical contamination control processes
• Familiarity with transport, deposition, and thermal analysis for conducting contamination modeling with software tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, COMSOL, Thermal Desktop, etc.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis
• Familiarity with failure analysis techniques and root cause investigation
• Familiarity with internal and supplier process auditing
• Familiarity with training contamination control best practices
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn and apply new concepts and methodologies.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in material sciences and aerospace engineering.
• Teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of successful leadership and ownership of technical projects from concept through completion.
• Experience in communicating technical information to external stakeholders such as suppliers and partners.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements in aerospace materials.
• Experience in representing the organization to external stakeholders such as suppliers, partners, and industry bodies.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$167,096.00 - $229,757.00

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.