Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Flight Equipment

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Our team is innovative and collaborative, delivering bold missions in space with customers to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success comes from the trust of those who rely on our work, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven and work as an extraordinary team.

The Manager of Flight Support Equipment (FSE) is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and management of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) and tooling throughout their lifecycle. This includes design, procurement, fabrication, testing, validation, deployment, and long-term maintenance. The role requires a strong leader with technical, managerial, and operational expertise to oversee cross-functional teams and align with organizational goals and industry standards.

Our mission is driven by advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and pursuing solutions that protect, preserve, and empower. We look for team members who align with our values, mission and goals; the preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

• Strategic Planning & Leadership:
  Develop and help implement command media policies, processes, and lifecycle concepts of operations.

• Foster relationships with program managers, cross-functional teams, and customer representatives.

• Translate strategy into operational processes, recommending changes that impact the sector.

• Team Management:
  Lead, manage, and mentor a team of engineers (approximately
  8), fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

• Proactively monitor team project performance to maintain technical, schedule, and cost baselines.

• Facilitate resource forecasting and team performance metrics. Translate functional plans into operational plans; identify and execute operational initiatives.

• Design, Development & Integration:
  Oversee the design, development, and engineering analysis (e.g., FEA, CAD modeling) of support equipment; ensure proper interfaces between units under test and test equipment.

• Ensure alignment and integration across functional areas, including assembly tooling, test operations, ground operations, production operations, and sustaining engineering.

• Procurement & Supplier Management:
  Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including RFPs, bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and vendor oversight; collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of equipment meeting specifications and quality standards.

• Fabrication & Manufacturing Support:
  Oversee prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and integration of MGSE and tooling; support manufacturing teams to resolve production issues and optimize processes.

• Validation, Testing & Certification:
  Direct testing, validation, and certification of equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards; develop and implement validation protocols.

• Lifecycle Management & Maintenance:
  Manage the lifecycle of all equipment, including upgrades, modifications, maintenance, and calibration; identify opportunities for continuous improvement to enhance performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.

• Budgeting & Reporting:
  Manage team budgets, track KPIs, and report on equipment schedules, costs, and technical status to senior management; contribute to financial planning and decision-making.

• Compliance &
  
  Risk Management:
  
  Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring adherence to internal policies and external regulatory standards; drive safety and industry best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of relevant experience.

• Proven track record in equipment design, development, procurement, testing, and project management.

• Strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills; excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for cross-functional collaboration.

• Advanced CAD software and engineering analysis tool proficiency; strong technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

• Proven ability to lead and manage multi-functional teams, large-scale projects, and cross-organizational initiatives; strong financial acumen with budget management experience.

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills; proficiency in enterprise applications (e.g., PLM, ERP, MES) and data analysis tools.

• Operational or hands-on experience in a fast-paced production or operations environment; experience designing, testing, and/or operating ground support equipment (GSE) / tooling.

• Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering.

• Extensive experience in aerospace or…