Principal Software Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Folsom (CA); Hybrid; USD 165,010 - 226,889; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 150% match

Tuition reimbursement

Three weeks paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation in Folsom, California is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for Aerospace Applications. The role entails providing technical leadership and oversight in software design and architecture to optimize advanced aerospace software systems.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree and around 14 years of software engineering experience. Benefits include a competitive salary ranging from $165k to $227k, comprehensive medical plans, generous paid time off, and more.

Qualifications

• Approximately 14 years of relevant experience in software engineering.
• Strong knowledge of software engineering principles and practices.
• Experience with bare-metal programming, microcontrollers, and embedded buses such as I2C and SPI.

Responsibilities

• Lead software engineering activities at the project level, coordinating staff engineers.
• Take responsibility for software design and architecture.
• Communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders.

Skills

C/C++

Linux (runtime and development)

Embedded systems

Agile Software Development

BASH scripting

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline

Tools

Containerization

MongoDB

Virtual machines

Job description

Position Overview

Principal Software Engineer – Aerospace Applications. Provide technical leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the design, architecture, and optimization of advanced software systems in aerospace applications. Lead major projects, mentor engineering teams, and drive innovation to achieve superior software performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead software engineering activities at the project level, coordinating staff engineers for project execution.
• Take responsibility for software design and architecture, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Perform estimation of software tasks and oversee progress.
• Communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders.

Essential Functions

• Work on a computer for extended periods.
• Maintain hand/finger dexterity for coding and testing.
• Work in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

Qualifications – Minimum

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 14 years of relevant experience in software engineering.
• Strong knowledge of software engineering principles and practices.
• Experience with C/C++, Linux (runtime and development), and embedded systems.
• Familiarity with multi‑disciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading teams of software engineers at the project level.
• Experience with bare‑metal programming, microcontrollers, and embedded buses such as I2C and SPI.
• Experience with Xilinx/AMD SOCs.
• Strong customer‑facing communication skills.
• Familiarity with Agile Software Development.
• Knowledge of networking basics and socket‐based communications.
• Experience with containerization, DevSecOps principles, BASH and Python scripting.
• Experience with Yocto, virtual machines, and AI tools in development.
• Familiarity with databases such as MongoDB and development for mobile devices and Windows desktops.
• Knowledge of information assurance and data encryption.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Estimated starting salary range: $165,010.21 - $226,889.04 (adjustable based on geographic differential, experience, and qualifications).
• Annual incentive pay based on performance.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• Three weeks paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement and additional benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.