Principal Software Engineer

Sierra Nevada Company, LLC; Lone Tree (CO); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation in Lone Tree/Colorado (hybrid) seeks a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership for the development and optimization of advanced aerospace software systems. You will mentor teams, drive innovation, and collaborate with cross-functional groups to meet performance and regulatory standards.

The role requires a 14+ year track record in software development, expertise in C++, Java, and Python, and an active U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 14+ years of experience in software development.
• Higher level degree may substitute for experience.
• Expert proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.
• Extensive leadership experience in software development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• An active Secret with the eligibility to obtain a Top Secret / Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction for the development of advanced software systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets performance, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of detailed software documentation, including design specifications and user manuals.
• Mentor and guide engineering teams on technical best practices and innovation.
• Conduct high-level code reviews and provide strategic feedback.
• Define and implement software requirements and specifications in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Drive major continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software performance and reliability.
• Represent the software engineering function in high-level strategic meetings and decision-making processes.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Code reviews tools

Static analysis tools

Build automation tools

RTOS

Embedded systems

Job description

Hybrid or in office

Lone Tree, CO

Plano, TX

Full time

R0030193

Do you enjoy developing new products and services? Join us! Our Software Engineers work in an agile, collective environment. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the development and optimization of advanced software systems for aerospace applications. You will lead major projects, mentor engineering teams, and drive innovation to achieve superior software performance.

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:

• Provide technical leadership and direction for the development of advanced software systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets performance, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of detailed software documentation, including design specifications and user manuals.
• Mentor and guide engineering teams on technical best practices and innovation.
• Conduct high-level code reviews and provide strategic feedback.
• Define and implement software requirements and specifications in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Drive major continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software performance and reliability.
• Represent the software engineering function in high-level strategic meetings and decision-making processes.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 14+ years of experience in experience in software development.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Expert proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.
• Extensive leadership experience in software development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.
• An active Secret with the eligibility to obtain a Top Secret / Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Expertise in advanced software technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, cloud computing).
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems.
• Significant experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
• Understanding of industry standard software languages such as C, C#, C++, HTML, Java, Python, and Bash.
• Experience with software tools for requirements tracking, code reviews, static analysis, library and artifact repository, and automated build.
• Knowledge of software development methodologies such as Agile/Scrum, Waterfall, and Spiral.
• Proficient with data structures.
• Experience using the Open Mission System messaging protocol and Universal Command and Control Interface standards.
• Experience supporting mission system architectures and capabilities

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Hand/finger dexterity for coding and testing.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

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: $165,010.21 - $226,889.04. 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 (https://www.sncorp.com/careers/total-rewards/) .

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.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. (https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Vetting/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Investigations-Clearance-Process/)

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.

SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for systems across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber.

As a longstanding leader in defense technology, SNC is the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non-traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid-tier A&D contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule. It’s part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow.

Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen.