Project Engineer - Space Applications

Do you enjoy working & solving complex problems using innovative solutions? Would you like to be part of a fast-paced team developing & maintaining systems for spacecraft and space habitats? Are you interested in expanding your skills by working for an innovative and inspiring employer? Do you think that contributing to the development, build, test, & operations of spaceflight hardware would be a great opportunity? Sierra Space in Madison, WI, is looking for a talented and energetic Project Engineer to be a part of our growing engineering team.

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  

Members of the project engineering group assist in manufacturing, testing, and operations of space-flight hardware for vehicle components and International Space Station payloads. The position requires interdisciplinary knowledge & expertise as the candidate will be assisting in hardware development & assembly, performance and interface testing, rework coordination, on-orbit payload operations & data analysis, and diagnostic/troubleshooting of electro-mechanical systems. Mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, materials, manufacturing, and testing process skills are all applicable. Areas of focus include plant research payloads and systems, comprised of custom lighting, temperature & humidity control units, avionics, atmospheric composition control, high & low pressure gas systems, and fluid transfer systems.

Immediate job responsibilities include managing and assisting with hardware development, builds, and rework, coordinating resources & materials, supporting troubleshooting & diagnostics of electrical, mechanical, or gas/liquid systems, supporting & coordinating hardware testing, procurement of components, supplier communication, and hands-on assembly & testing of flight & prototype hardware. In addition, this role will be responsible for payload operations within the NASA infrastructure including safety submittals, crew operations onboard ISS, and launch scheduling & facilitation of component hardware in support of Sierra Space’s ISS payloads. Some off-nominal work hours can be expected in support of real-time ISS operations (which occur in a different time-zone). This flight operation support includes guiding astronauts in hardware removal/replacement, experiment setup & takedown, and flight unit data analysis & troubleshooting as issues arise. Candidates should have excellent communication skills, the ability to function independently in a technically demanding environment, and a willingness to work with a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and support staff.

Must-haves:

• Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering or related discipline and typically 3 or more years of relevant experience

• Relevant work experience may substitute for required education. 

• Conceptual knowledge of engineering principles and practices

• Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools

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

• Detail oriented, dependable, and able to independently determine/set task priority and implementation plans

• Ability to speak & communicate clearly between muti-disciplinary teams and with on-orbit payload operations

• Ability to work off-nominal work hours on occasion (typically late night/early morning hours when applicable) to support on-orbit operations

Preferred:

• Familiarity with interpreting engineering part & assembly drawings

• Hands on experience manufacturing and/or assembling mechanical or electrical components & assemblies

• Understanding of electrical fundamentals, including Direct Current (DC) applications & wiring, sensors, and electro-mechanical equipment (i.e., valves & pumps)

• Understanding of fluid fundamentals, including liquid and gas storage, piping, and control using pumps and valves

• Understanding of test methods for electrical faults, liquid or gas leaks, or mechanical faults 

• Ability to read and comprehend electrical (wiring) and fluid schematics.

• Ability to use & interpret sensor & scientific data for troubleshooting, diagnostics, and performance evaluation of component hardware

• Knowledge and understanding of engineering foundations, including thermal, stress, motion, and fluid properties, material properties and comparisons, schematic capture & use, base knowledge of electrical principles, instrumentation, and data acquisition

• Participation in dispositions of Non-Conformance generation through a Material Review Board (MRB)

• Experience with work instruction/traveler development and/or other technical writing.

• 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: $72,059.06 to $99,081.20

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 50 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

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.