Principal Software Engineer (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 185,000 - 254,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space in Colorado is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design, develop, and test software for space systems. This senior role requires leading architecture, guiding multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring scalable, secure code across complex mission software.

You will mentor engineers, participate in system requirements, and drive development milestones while collaborating with cross-functional experts. A Top Secret clearance is required for employment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; 12+ years preferred.
• Expert in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
• Ability to design, architect, implement, and test complex software systems.
• Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test software for space systems and technologies.
• Lead architecture, requirements derivation, and system integration efforts.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Software architecture

Debugging

Security best practices

Agile methodologies

System-level programming

Kernel-level programming

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Top Secret clearance

Tools

GitHub

GitLab

Bitbucket

SysML/UML

Static analysis tools

Job description

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

The Principal Software Engineer role involves designing, developing, and testing software applications for space systems and technologies. This advanced position requires extensive expertise in multiple programming languages, an advanced understanding of software development principles, and the ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems. The role includes writing clean, maintainable code, collaborating with team members to understand project requirements, and contributing to the development of innovative software solutions. Additionally, this position requires a deep understanding of software engineering processes, advanced algorithmic knowledge, and system scalability. The role also involves providing technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers.

In this role, you will plan and drive multidisciplinary system development initiatives and architect comprehensive systems that integrate multiple subsystems. You will resolve conflicting system requirements and ensure alignment with project objectives while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand project requirements and objectives. Leading the derivation, decomposition, allocation, tracing, and management of system requirements and architectures will be a key responsibility, along with defining and documenting system concepts of operation. You will plan, define, and lead development milestone reviews, oversee system integration and verification activities to ensure system functionality and performance, and identify and manage technical risks while developing mitigation strategies. Additionally, you will contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for enhancement and help define and implement corporate Systems Engineering policies and processes. Effective communication with team members and stakeholders will be essential to ensure project alignment and successful execution.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +10 yrs experience).
• Typically, 12+ years of related experience.
• Extensive expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
• Ability to design, architect, implement, and test complex software systems.
• Expert understanding of software engineering processes, advanced algorithmic knowledge, domain-specific design patterns, performance tuning, and system scalability.
• Mastery in writing scalable, optimized code, ability to design complex software systems, and knowledge of best practices, including secure coding, and system architecture principles.
• Ability to independently contribute to the design and development of software applications, conduct unit tests, and participate in code reviews.
• Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with kernel-level programming.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C++, Java) and their ecosystems.
• In-depth knowledge of scripting languages and automation tools.
• Proven experience with software development methodologies such as Agile or Kanban/Scrum.
• Exceptional analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Superior communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale software projects from inception to completion.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical skills, performance profiling, and debugging complex systems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with experience using collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket).
• Ability to write and maintain technical documentation.
• Familiarity with SysML/UML to create software designs.
• Experience utilizing and setting up static analysis tools.

Compensation:

$184,628.00 - $253,884.50

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.

This position requires current/active 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.

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 is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

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.

Sierra Space Corporationis 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 withSierra Spaceor at any stage of the recruitment process, pleasecontact us.