Principal Project Engineer

Sierra Space

. Lead and execute large-scale technical projects .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeLouisville • Colorado • United StatesLead💰 $173,748 - $238,904 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive project management expertise, leading large cross-functional teams and driving engineering innovation while ensuring adherence to technical specifications and quality standards. Proficient in developing proposals, managing budgets, and providing mentorship to junior engineers.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project Management Professional (PMP) CertificationDeep Technical Expertise in Engineering DisciplineAdvanced Knowledge of Project Management TechniquesStrong Leadership Skills Overseeing Technical ExecutionAbility to Obtain and Maintain U.S. Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementEngineering DesignRisk and Opportunity ManagementCost EstimationTechnical EvaluationProposal DevelopmentMetrics DevelopmentBudget ManagementSupplier ManagementProgram Control

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationStrategic ThinkingProblem-SolvingMentorshipCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

MS ProjectPrimaveraCAD SoftwareEngineering Design ToolsProduct Lifecycle Management (PLM)

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

AvionicsSpacecraft Electrical SystemsSystems EngineeringAgile MethodologiesLean MethodologiesIntegrated Product TeamsEarned Value Management System (EVMS)Cost Account Management (CAM)Technical SpecificationsQuality Standards

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and execute large-scale technical projects
Integrate engineering solutions and drive innovation
Lead large cross-functional teams, including Integrated Product Teams, business development projects or proposals, small programs, and medium-to-large IRAD projects
Oversee engineering project design, development, and implementation
Develop proposals, contracts, and bases of estimate by identifying and estimating scope, cost, and schedule
Ensure projects meet technical specifications, quality standards, cost constraints, and schedule constraints
Conduct high-impact trade studies and lead technical evaluations
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers
Manage high-impact suppliers, including scope negotiation, statements of work, contracts, supplier issues, and cost and schedule performance
Support Program Managers with program standup, cost and schedule performance, program execution, program control, and governance
Interface with key customers and Program Managers
Provide project status updates and insights to senior leadership
Develop metrics and performance baselines
Manage return-to-green paths for critical program issues
Coordinate across engineering and functional teams
Communicate technical concepts, plans, and actions
Drive engineering innovation and continuous improvement
Serve as a bridge between Engineering and Program offices to resolve conflicts and ensure project success

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
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Significant focus on project management and leadership
Strong technical, leadership, and programmatic foundation
Ability to lead large cross-functional teams
Deep technical expertise in the relevant engineering discipline
Proven leadership skills overseeing technical execution throughout the project lifecycle
Strong project management skills within budget and schedule constraints
Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
Advanced knowledge of project management techniques and processes, including EVMS, CAM, or equivalent
Advanced knowledge of risk and opportunity management
Ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter experts across functional disciplines
Competence in project management and advisory methodologies
Clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
U.S. Citizenship status is required for employment
Preferred: strong avionics background
Preferred: spacecraft electrical systems design or analysis experience
Preferred: systems engineering and integration experience
Preferred: proficiency in project management software and tools such as MS Project and Primavera
Preferred: experience with CAD software and engineering design tools
Preferred: knowledge of industry standards and regulations
Preferred: product lifecycle management (PLM) experience
Preferred: familiarity with Agile and Lean methodologies
Preferred: experience developing and managing project budgets
Preferred: active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance

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