Senior Director, National Security Space (Clearance Required)

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

Senior Director, National Security Space & Advanced Programs

As our Senior Director of National Security Space & Advanced Programs, you will lead efforts to define and execute Sierra Space's National Security Space growth strategy, oversee key customer interactions, and drive business development activities critical to accelerating the company's presence in this dynamic market. Youll report directly to the Vice President for Strategy, Business Development, and Growth while exercising full responsibility and authority for developing strategies, managing capture efforts, and overseeing proposal activities for opportunities with key customers, including the Department of War and the Intelligence Community.

In this role, you will shape the National Security Space thesis, build a robust pipeline of opportunities, and partner across technical, product, and operational teams to architect solutions that meet U.S. Government mission needs. You'll also work with a team of Business Development Managers to identify, capture, and deliver innovative solutions, turning mission needs into a focused portfolio, winning contracts, and scaling capabilities into operations. Additionally, you'll establish industry partnerships and drive the development of compelling customer messaging and strategies to enable success in highly competitive markets.

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.

Must Haves

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and full-scope polygraph is required.
• 20+ years of experience in the National Security industry, including 10+ years of program management experience and a proven track record of managing contracts exceeding $100M annually.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical or space-related field (e.g., engineering, physics, computer science); MBA preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition strategies, processes, and contract vehicles.
• Extensive experience across the system development lifecycle, from concept design to deployment.
• Proven success in capturing, organizing, producing, delivering, and winning competitive proposals.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to organize, coordinate, and lead diverse teams (program management, technical, and business development) through the capture and proposal process.
• Deep understanding of National Security Space missions, stakeholders, and acquisition pathways.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with senior business and government leaders, providing strategic guidance and leadership.
• Experience defining capture plans and leading proposal development for U.S. Government customers.
• Must be able to occasionally travel to domestic locations to support capture and business development efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in proposal and capture leadership, including 10+ years of demonstrated National Security Space (DoD/IC) experience.
• Experience architecting solutions and leading tradespace analyses for end-to-end systems that meet the requirements of the Department of War and the Intelligence Community.
• Expertise in establishing industry partnerships and developing complex solutions for national program acquisitions, both as a subcontractor and prime contractor.
• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliance.
• Experience working with or managing various contract types, including Level-of-Effort, CPAF, CPFF, FFP, OTA, and commercial sales.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute technical roadmaps, particularly for commercial products in the National Security Space domain.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, or commercial space markets.
• Strong analytical and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to guide and motivate teams through challenges to optimize results.
• Passion for working on high-technology applications for space missions.

Compensation

Pay Range: $229,600.00 - $315,700.00

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 current/active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and a full-scope polygraph. U.S. Citizenship is required as this position requires 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 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.

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.