Principal Software Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Southern Pines (NC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is looking for a Principal Software Engineer in Southern Pines, North Carolina, to lead the development of advanced software systems for aerospace applications. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in software development and expertise in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.

We offer competitive benefits, including medical plans, a strong 401(k) match, and three weeks of paid time off. This position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of experience in software development; higher degree may substitute for experience.
• Extensive leadership experience in software development.
• Expert proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.

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.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

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. The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn‑key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber.

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.

Required 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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Essential Functions

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

Benefits

• Annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• 3 weeks paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement and more.

Security Clearance

Important Notice: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship 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) handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors include allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, and illegal drug use.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.