As a Build Engineer on the Dream Chaser team, you are responsible for design for manufacturing, tooling, and establishing the overall build plans for spacecraft systems that will expand and expedite humanity's ongoing access to space. On this team, you would get the chance to own the build of Dream Chaser's Thermal Protection System. This role will work heavily alongside both the design and production teams across the Dream Chaser and Cargo Module programs. The role requires direct involvement in the component builds and integration of assemblies; acting as one of the primary driving forces to the successful builds of these vehicles.
Build Engineers will be highly engaged in the fabrication, test, and integration of a wide range of vehicle and production systems, including designing tooling and processes to rapidly build the Dream Chaser vehicles. As the build progresses, this role will be responsible for integration operations sequencing, and working with technicians to install flight-critical hardware on the vehicle.
Sierra Space-based in Louisville, CO with operations in Madison, WI, Durham, NC, Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX, and Kennedy Space Center, FL-designs and manufactures the Dream Chaser spaceplane and other advanced spacecraft, commercial space destinations, 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
Must-haves:

• Bachelor's of Science degree in related discipline and typically 6 or more years of relevant experience
• Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
• Capability working in multi-disciplinary teams

Preferred:

• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry. Specifically in large vehicle assembly and integration.
• Experience with design, development or build of Thermal Protection Systems and with RTV bonding processes
• Exposure to a wide variety of manufacturing processes both bespoke, one-off prototype processes and higher volume rate production. Including bonding, machining, composite fabrication, structural assembly & testing
• Familiarity in applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
• Knowledge of industry standard design principles, to include, but not limited to parametric design, model-based definition, material hardware selection, manufacturing and production processes
• Experience working with a design engineering organization and providing design feedback to influence the design from a manufacturability, sourceability and cost perspective
• Experience with work instruction/traveler development
• Participation in dispositions of Non-Conformance generation through a Material Review Board (MRB)
• Comfortable working on the factory floor with engineers and technicians to realize or improve all aspects of production
• Experience with new product introduction and transition to production
• Exposure to Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems
• Position may require extended work hours to support 24/7 build operations
• Flexibility to travel during test and launch campaigns

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

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.
Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
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.
Estimated Starting Salary Range:
$91,154.71 - $136,732.06
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.