Principal Mechanical Engineer – Turbomachinery Specialist

Do you enjoy designing and developing innovative solutions to solve tough problems? Join our team to deliver technological solutions in a rapid and agile production environment. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the turbomachinery product from conception through certification while working to integrate it with our state of the art, high-performance engines.

Sierra Space, based in Louisville, Colorado with operations in Madison, Wisconsin, Durham, North Carolina, and Kennedy Space Center, Florida, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space

Sierra Space has several families of pump-fed engines that span thrust ranges and propellants. You'll conceptualize, design, prototype, validate, and deliver complex turbomachinery for these engine families, supporting Sierra Space’s vision to make space accessible to all in order to benefit humanity on Earth.

Must-haves:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experience

• Related experience may be considered in lieu of required education

• Experience with the design, analysis, manufacture, and verification of turbomachinery.

• Strong knowledge of rotating machinery component design and manufacturing including turbines, impellers, cases, bearings, and seals

• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics and gas dynamics, including compressible and incompressible flow, and specifically for turbomachinery aerodynamic/hydrodynamic principles such as Velocity triangles, performance maps, and streamline analysis.

• Understanding of engineering principles and practices

• Familiarity with working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams

Preferred:

• Analytical or hands-on experience with turbomachinery on rocket engines

• Experience with rocket engine propellants including but not limited to both cryogenic and storeable propellants

• Experience working with turbomachinery vendors

• Experience in NX or related CAD software

• Experience applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5

• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

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.

With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products and services.

Salary range $126,031.74 -$ 173,293.65 

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

• Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps
• Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity
• Rarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)
• Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials
• Rarely exposed to loud noises

Referral Bonus:

$1,500

Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.