Sr Manager, Production - Satellites and Spacecraft Systems

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

Sierra Space is expanding its satellite manufacturing plant in Englewood, Colorado, designed to deliver significant production and test capability for future civil and national security satellite programs. The Senior Manager, Production will be a foundational operational leader for this facility — translating strategic plans into the day-to-day objectives, processes, and workforce structure that define the plant from the ground up.

This role directly shapes how production is built and scaled at a new high-capability manufacturing site. The Senior Manager will oversee multiple disciplines or departments, manage large teams and complex cross-functional projects, and drive the operational initiatives that establish Dove Valley as a center of excellence for satellite and spacecraft component manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test.

The role requires regular interaction with executive leadership on sensitive, complex, and cross-functional matters, along with the financial acumen to manage budgets supporting both near-term production and long-term facility growth. The ideal candidate brings a proven record of managing large teams and complex projects, deep knowledge of aerospace and defense industry standards, and the leadership to foster a culture of excellence as Dove Valley matures to support civil and national security satellite missions.

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:

• Translates functional plans into operational plans; identifies and executes operational initiatives. 
• Ensures execution in accordance with financial plans; accountable for area budgets. 
• Embodies our culture and great leadership; leads and supports change initiatives. 
• Manages activities of two or more disciplines or a department, providing direct supervision to managers or individual contributors. 
• Drives the strategy and success of larger projects which contribute to multiple areas of the organization. 
• Translates functional plans into operational objectives to deliver results, providing guidance to subordinates. 
• Contributes to financial planning and executes according to plans, goals, and priorities. Accountable for select budgets. 
• Interacts regularly with leadership, including executive level, on cross-functional and/or customer matters requiring the ability to persuade in sensitive and complex situations. 
• Works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires conceptual thinking and an in-depth knowledge of organizational objectives. 
• Upholds and models company values; holds others accountable to values. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree). 
• Typically, 8+ years of relevant work experience with a significant portion in a managerial or leadership role. Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects. 
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required 
• Upholds and models company values; ability to hold others accountable to values. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Able to translate functional plans into operational plans; identifies and executes operational initiatives. 
• In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices. 
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills. 
• Experience supporting organizational changes. 
• Current security clearance or the ability to obtain and hold a clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field. 
• Extensive experience in the production of Satellites and Spacecraft Components. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and drive continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data-driven decision-making. 
• Familiarity with advanced project management tools and methodologies. 
• Proven ability to interact effectively with executive leadership and external stakeholders. 
• Familiarity with Lean, Six-sigma, and/or Theory of Constraints Manufacturing Principles
• Understanding of Assembly, Integration and Test practices
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense or US Military

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$151,141.00 - $207,841.00

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 a Top Secret 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 Corporation is 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 with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.