SNC is seeking a highly skilled and innovative UAS Conceptual Design Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team. This role will play a crucial role in the early stages of UAS development, responsible for creating and refining initial design concepts that meet specified performance, cost, and regulatory requirements. This role requires a strong foundation in aerospace engineering principles, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

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. 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.

Responsibilities:

Develop innovative and feasible conceptual designs for UAS platforms
Conduct feasibility studies and trade-off analyses to evaluate various design options.
Perform preliminary aerodynamic, structural, and propulsion system analyses.
Utilize Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) tools and techniques to optimize UAS designs across multiple disciplines.
Generate 3D models and detailed design documentation using CAD software.
Collaborate with other engineering teams, including avionics, propulsion, and systems engineering, to ensure integrated design solutions.
Interface with customers and stakeholders to understand requirements and incorporate feedback into design iterations.
Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to incorporate the latest advancements into conceptual designs.
Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise to support project milestones.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate design concepts and progress to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications You Must Have:

Bachelor's of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or other related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experience
Higher education may substitute for relevant experience
Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
Understanding of Computer Aided Engineering tools and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
Higher education may substitute for relevant experience
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and computational analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, ANSYS).
Experience with MDAO tools and techniques for optimizing complex engineering systems.
Strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion systems, and structural design principles.
Experience with systems engineering principles
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to develop innovative design solutions.
Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Qualifications We Prefer:

Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
Supersonic UAS experience
Experience with composite materials and advanced manufacturing techniques
Knowledge of aircraft systems integration and overall aircraft performance characteristics

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

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $124,771.42 - $171,560.71. 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 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.

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.

Sierra Nevada Corporation

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UAS Conceptual Design Engineer