Senior Software Lead - Onsite Space Mission Systems (TS/SCI)

Piper Companies; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Software Developer Lead to head a small, high‑performing team focused on Mission Management and Mission Planning, delivering Java‑based software for national security space missions.

This hands‑on technical leader will shape system architecture across the full SDLC and work onsite in Chantilly, VA or Seal Beach, CA; TS/SCI clearance with SCI eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience applying foundational Computer Science principles, object‑oriented design, and software patterns.
• Hands‑on experience with Java, C++, and/or Python in full‑stack software development environments.
• Proven experience leading software development teams or projects across the SDLC.
• Active Top Secret (TS) U.S. Security Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Ability to successfully complete a CI Polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of software development activities, including detailed design, coding, and unit, integration, functional, and system testing.
• Translate system-level requirements into traceable software requirements, designs, code, and test artifacts.
• Partner with system engineering, product management, and mission stakeholders to ensure customer, operational, and performance requirements are met.
• Perform and lead code reviews to ensure compliance with technical standards, best practices, and security requirements.
• Identify software risks and issues through system-level analysis and lead mitigation strategies throughout the software lifecycle.
• Oversee test execution, verification activities, defect resolution, and acceptance criteria closure.
• Ensure alignment of product delivery and development processes with program plans, quality standards, and industry best practices.
• Track team performance and support integration of supplier and partner contributions.

Skills

5+ years experience

CS principles

OO design

Software patterns

Leading teams

CI Polygraph

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Data Science

Tools

Java

C++

Python

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Software Developer Lead to head a small, high‑performing team focused on Mission Management and Mission Planning, delivering Java‑based software for national security space missions.

This hands‑on technical leader will shape system architecture across the full SDLC and work onsite in Chantilly, VA or Seal Beach, CA; TS/SCI clearance with SCI eligibility is required.