Sierra Nevada Corporation

As Director Engineering over the Test & Validation team, you will be using your skills and expertise to support the execution of IAS's engineering strategy, provide technical leadership, guidance, and oversight in all phases of the integrated digital development process focused on verification/validation. This includes the early phases of business development, through design and implementation to sell-off, deployment and support for our products and services. These cover a very wide range of products from state-of-the-art mission payloads and electronic systems to highly integrated vehicles and weapons systems in all domains. You will lead an exceptional cross-functional engineering team focused primarily on requirements generation, military aircraft ground and flight testing, and aircraft certification to both FAA FAR’s and Mil 516 requirements. An individual in this role needs the ability to innovate, invent, implement, and deploy complex technical solutions in mission-critical environments. Your responsibilities include the review and approval of engineering design/documentation, risk/opportunity management, quality oversight, and chairing technical/safety review boards to meet the program schedules, goals, and budgets. You will own and continuously improve processes and procedures and provide technical direction to your team.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Areas of Responsibility Include:

• FAA and Military (Mil 516) Certification planning
• Aircraft instrumentation design and installation for aircraft testing
• Ground & flight test planning including; risk mitigation, operational safety, test program operations, data collection, & generation of test reports
• Flight Crew Leadership including; hiring, flight operations policy and standards, evaluations and currency, FRR/TRB/SRB activities.
• Understanding of FAA and Military (Mil 516) certification compliance process and execution.
• Detailed understanding of Safety Management System processes and tools

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a related field
• 14+ years of relevant experience; 7+ years management experience, relevant experience may substitute for required education
• Detailed technical and programmatic understanding in the following areas: Aircraft level testing for development and certification, FAA or Military aircraft certification process, aircraft flight operations management.
• Ability to organize and manage ground & flight test programs, risk mitigation, operational safety, test operations, data collection, & generation of test reports with a detailed understanding of Safety Management systems, processes, and tools.
• Possess advanced technical knowledge and experience; working knowledge of industry trends and historical context including industry best practices and techniques for program management, science, and engineering related programs
• Proven ability to work with department-level business leaders and to provide leadership within the workplace
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms; ability to tailor conversations to adapt to technical vs. non-technical audiences
• Proven leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews
• Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic thinking
• An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Master's degree or higher in an Engineering or similar field of study
• Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies
• Graduate of a recognized military or civilian Test Pilot School
• Leadership experience within a flight test organization
• Progressive experience in all phases of design lifecycle management to include: requirements, design, integration, test, and sustainment
• Demonstrated passion for ideation and innovation, as well as motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of industry best practices and techniques for program management, science, and engineering programs
• Possess a strategic mindset, linking technology and business
• Team oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets

At Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Learn more about SNC

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $221,505.94 - $304,570.67. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers 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, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility 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.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.