Principal Material Science Engineer – Contamination Control Lead

Sierra Space

. Lead enterprise- and program-level contamination control requirements, development, analysis, and application .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeCentennial • Colorado • United StatesSenior💰 $167,096 - $229,757 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced knowledge in material sciences, chemistry, and physics, with a proven ability to develop and implement contamination control requirements and programs in aerospace systems. Capable of leading technical projects, mentoring engineers, and effectively communicating complex technical information across disciplines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Material Sciences ExpertiseContamination Control Program DevelopmentTechnical Project LeadershipAdvanced Technical Problem SolvingTop Secret Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Material Characterization TechniquesContamination Control RequirementsContamination Modeling ToolsOptical MicroscopyGC/MSFTIRWet ChemistrySEMStatistical AnalysisRoot Cause Investigation

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsStrong Organizational SkillsTeamwork and CollaborationMentoring and Technical LeadershipCommitment to Continuous Learning

Tools & Technologies

MATLABANSYSCOMSOLThermal DesktopCleanroom Technology

Certifications & Qualifications

Top Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace SystemsContamination ControlSurface CleanlinessPrecision CleaningAirborne Contamination ControlAerospace Materials Regulatory Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead enterprise- and program-level contamination control requirements, development, analysis, and application
Apply material sciences, chemistry, and physics knowledge to aerospace systems including satellites, optics, solar arrays, propulsion, fluid systems, mechanisms, and payloads
Develop and maintain company and program contamination control plans
Provide innovative solutions and rigorous analyses for complex technical challenges
Develop and document technical data, reports, and presentations
Determine technical approaches with considerable autonomy under general direction
Contribute to new contamination control processes and enhance organizational technical capabilities
Lead projects or significant program aspects through successful development and implementation
Collaborate with senior personnel across disciplines to integrate contamination control solutions
Represent the organization as a technical expert in high-level meetings, contracts, and strategic discussions
Mentor and provide technical leadership to other engineers
Participate in and lead technical reviews, strategy sessions, and innovation initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree, or Master's degree plus 10 years of experience
Typically 12+ years of related experience
Advanced knowledge in material sciences, chemistry, and/or physics
Ability to apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts
Ability to contribute to the development of new principles and concepts
Ability to solve unusually complex technical problems using ingenuity and creativity
Ability to work under consultative direction toward long-range goals and objectives
Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret or higher U.S. Security Clearance
Experience with material characterization and test techniques such as GC/MS, FTIR, wet chemistry, optical microscopy, and SEM
Experience with surface cleanliness, precision cleaning, particulate, molecular, and outgassing test methods
Experience with cleanrooms and airborne contamination control
Experience developing and implementing contamination control requirements and programs
Experience with satellites, launch vehicles, propulsion, fluid systems, and optical contamination control processes
Familiarity with contamination modeling tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, COMSOL, and Thermal Desktop
Familiarity with statistical analysis, failure analysis, root cause investigation, internal and supplier process auditing, and contamination control training
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities
Ability to rapidly learn and apply new concepts and methodologies
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in material sciences and aerospace engineering
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Excellent communication skills for conveying complex technical information
Proven track record leading and owning technical projects from concept through completion
Experience communicating technical information to suppliers and partners
Familiarity with aerospace materials regulatory standards and compliance requirements
Experience representing the organization to suppliers, partners, and industry bodies

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision plans
401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
Life insurance
3 weeks paid time off
Personal and professional development opportunities
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities