Manager, Manufacturing Engineering
Sierra Space · Englewood, CO
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $142k–$195k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- Today
The role in 30 seconds
A management manufacturing role at Sierra Space (aerospace & defense) in Englewood, CO.
- They ask for
- degree required (or equivalent experience) · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, ISO 9001, AS9100, Automation
- Base pay
- $142k–$195k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Colorado: typical posted base $97k–$136k. This one lists $142k–$195k.
Median of the low and high ends of 25 live postings that list pay, out of 38 manufacturing engineer openings in Colorado, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Colorado plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 37 other live manufacturing postings in Colorado.
- Base pay
- About 45% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $97k–$136k, from 24 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 55%
- Tooling 47%
- ✓ Six Sigma 45%
- Root cause 37%
- New product launch 37%
- ✓ Automation 29%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Cost reduction, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Sierra Space
We found 9 people at this company and state: 9 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Derek → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Sierra Space in Englewood
2 other open roles at this site · 9 people we found in manufacturing roles at Sierra Space.
- Calibration Technician II · Quality · Technician
- Manufacturing Engineer II · Manufacturing
Full description from Sierra SpaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
About the Role
The Manager, Manufacturing Engineering is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across manufacturing operations through the application of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and Industry 4.0 technologies. This position leads cross-functional engineering teams in developing and implementing advanced manufacturing solutions that optimize production processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. The successful candidate will translate strategic manufacturing initiatives into actionable operational plans, manage complex projects and department budgets, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in a dynamic production environment.
The Manager, Manufacturing Engineering provides strategic direction and hands-on leadership to engineering teams, overseeing the planning, design, and implementation of production improvement projects from concept through completion. This role drives operational excellence through effective use of CAD/CAM systems, production automation technologies, and manufacturing execution systems (MES) while ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and AS9100. The manager exercises strong financial stewardship by managing engineering budgets, evaluating capital equipment investments, and leading cost reduction initiatives that deliver measurable results.
Collaboration and team development are central to this role. The manager works closely with operations, quality, and supply chain teams to implement technical manufacturing solutions while effectively communicating with diverse audiences. This position is responsible for developing and mentoring manufacturing engineers, building technical capability, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. Throughout all activities, the Manager, Manufacturing Engineering upholds company values, holds team members accountable, and provides steady leadership during technological advancement and organizational change.
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.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree)
- ✓Several years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience with a significant portion in a managerial or leadership role
- ✓Deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles, lean manufacturing concepts, and process optimization methodologies
- ✓Proven experience leading cross-functional manufacturing engineering teams and managing complex production improvement projects from concept through implementation
- ✓Demonstrated ability to translate strategic manufacturing initiatives into actionable operational plans while meeting quality standards, cost targets, and production deadlines
- ✓Strong technical proficiency with manufacturing systems and technologies, including CAD/CAM systems and production automation
- ✓Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing industry standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems relevant to production environments
- ✓Proven track record implementing process improvements that enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality
- ✓Excellent communication skills to present technical manufacturing solutions to diverse audiences and collaborate effectively across functions
- ✓Demonstrated ability to uphold and model company values while holding team members accountable in dynamic manufacturing environments
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Advanced degree (Master's or MBA) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field
- ✓Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification
- ✓Extensive experience implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and digital manufacturing solutions
- ✓Demonstrated expertise with manufacturing execution systems (MES) implementation and optimization
- ✓Direct experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, or other relevant quality management system certifications and audits
- ✓Strong financial acumen with proven experience managing significant engineering budgets and capital equipment investments exceeding industry benchmarks
- ✓Track record of developing high-performing engineering teams and building organizational capability through mentoring and talent development
- ✓Experience leading manufacturing operations through significant technological transformation or organizational change initiatives
- ✓Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent professional certification
- ✓Experience in regulated industries with complex compliance
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
Pay Range
$142,009.00 - $195,283.00