Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Flight Support Equipment

About this role

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

Key Responsibilities:  

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  

• Translates   strategy into operational processes, recommending changes which   impact   the   sector  

Team Management  

• Lead ,   manage , and mentor   a team of approximately   8   engineers ,   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  

• Translates functional plans into operational plans;   identifies   and executes 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 (e.g., vibration fixtures, thermal chambers, electrical integration).  

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

Procurement & Supplier Management  

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including RFPs, bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and vendor oversight.  

• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure   timely   delivery of equipment that meets specifications and quality standards.  

Fabrication & Manufacturing Support  

• Oversee prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and integration of MGSE   and tooling.  

• Support internal and external manufacturing teams to resolve production issues and   optimize   processes.  

Validation, Testing & Certification  

• Direct the testing, validation, and certification of support equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards (e.g., OSHA, FAA, AS9100).  

• Develop and implement rigorous 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 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and report on equipment schedules, costs, and technical status to   senior management .  

• Contribute to financial planning and decision-making processes.  

Compliance & Risk Management  

• Identify   and mitigate risks, ensuring adherence to internal policies and external regulatory standards.  

• Drive compliance with safety protocols and industry best practices.  

Minimum Qualifications:  

• 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.  

• Outstanding analytical abilities and creative problem-solving skills  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.  

• Advanced command of CAD software and engineering analysis tools  

• 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 experience managing budgets and resources.  

• 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 fast-paced dynamic production or operations environment   

• Experience designing, testing,   and/ or operating ground support equipment (GSE) / Tooling  

Preferred Qualifications:  

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

• Extensive experience in aerospace or aviation manufa

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