Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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 RoleThe Principal Loads & Dynamics Engineer role focuses on providing advanced expertise in dynamics and vibration. The position involves creating analysis process definitions and documentation for use across multiple programs and levels of experience, as well as defining company-level aerospace principles, standards, theories, and concepts. The role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, technical leadership, and mentoring junior engineers. This role is critical in shaping engineering practices and driving the success of aerospace systems.
In this role, you will provide advanced knowledge, analysis, and evaluation of loads and dynamics for aerospace systems, ensuring thorough and accurate assessments to support project objectives. You will create analysis process definitions and documentation to be utilized across multiple programs and by engineers at various experience levels, contributing to standardization and consistency. Additionally, you will define company-level aerospace principles, standards, theories, and concepts to guide engineering practices and ensure technical excellence. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will develop and refine system designs, ensuring they meet performance and safety requirements while analyzing and interpreting data from tests and simulations to inform design decisions and identify areas for improvement. As a technical leader, you will provide guidance to engineering teams, ensuring best practices and high standards are maintained, while mentoring junior engineers to support their technical and professional development. Finally, you will prepare detailed technical documentation and reports to effectively communicate findings, support decision-making processes, and align with broader organizational goals.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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +10 yrs experience).
• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge in Dynamics and Vibration.
• Ability to create analysis process definition and documentation to be used by multiple programs and levels of experience.
• Ability to define company-level aerospace principles, standards, theories, and concepts.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as MATLAB, NASTRAN, ANSYS, or similar.
• Extensive experience with vehicle-level testing and validation, including the ability to design and execute complex test plans.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a proven track record of innovative solutions in aerospace engineering.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including senior management and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) for structural dynamics, with a strong background in interpreting and validating FEA results.
• Advanced experience with vibration and shock testing and analysis, including the development of mitigation strategies for dynamic issues.
• Mastery in using simulation tools for dynamic analysis, with the ability to develop and validate complex models for predicting system behavior under various conditions.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$169,294.00 - $232,800.25

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education,experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporationis an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment withSierra Spaceor at any stage of the recruitment process, pleasecontact us.