Software Engineer III

Sierra Nevada Company, LLC; Lone Tree (CO); On-site; USD 108,496 - 149,183; Full time

Job summary

SNC is seeking a Software Engineer III to lead design, development, and optimization of complex software systems for aerospace applications in a hybrid work environment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets stringent performance and quality standards.

You will build prototype and proof-of-concept software, integrate AI/ML capabilities, and mentor junior engineers while prioritizing rapid experimentation and rigorous code quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in software development.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Advanced proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop prototype and proof-of-concept software solutions that explore new technologies and validate hypotheses for stakeholders.
• Translate exploratory concepts into actionable software development tasks with cross-functional teams.
• Build and integrate AI/ML-driven capabilities into prototype systems in collaboration with AI engineers and data scientists.
• Iterate designs with lightweight user testing to support rapid experimentation.
• Debug and troubleshoot advanced software issues across prototype and production-like environments.
• Create clean, maintainable code and documentation for handoffs or scaling.
• Conduct code reviews and provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure code quality and technical alignment.
• Support the integration of software with hardware systems and experimental platforms.
• Define software requirements in collaboration with stakeholders and partners.
• Drive continuous improvement for performance, modularity, and flexibility in a rapid experimentation environment.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

Engineering principles

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

RTOS

Embedded systems

Code reviews

Job description

Do you enjoy developing new products and services? Join us! Our Software Engineers work in an agile, collective environment. As a Software Engineer III, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of complex software systems for aerospace applications. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets stringent performance and quality standards.

As SNC’s corporate team, we provide the company and its business areas with strategic direction and business support spanning executive management, finance and accounting, operations, human resources, legal, IT, information security, facilities, marketing, and communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop prototype and proof-of-concept software solutions that explore new technologies, validate hypotheses, and demonstrate feasibility for business and technical stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Sr. Manager of the DIO to translate exploratory concepts and business problems into actionable software development tasks.
• Build and integrate AI/ML-driven capabilities into prototype systems in collaboration with AI engineers and data scientists.
• Rapidly iterate on designs, perform lightweight user testing, and refine prototypes to support continuous exploration.
• Debug and troubleshoot advanced software issues across prototype and production-like environments.
• Create clean, maintainable code and supporting documentation that enables handoff or scaling.
• Conduct thorough code reviews and provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and cross-domain teams to ensure code quality and technical alignment.
• Support the integration of software with hardware systems and experimental platforms.
• Define software requirements and specifications in collaboration with stakeholders and innovation partners.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software performance, modularity, and flexibility—critical in a rapid experimentation environment.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in experience in software development.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Advanced proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems.
• Background in 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.
• Experienced with data structures.

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.
• Comfort working in an innovation-focused environment , balancing hands-on coding with rapid experimentation, iteration, and exploratory development.

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: $108,496.89 – $149,183.22. 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 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

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. https://www.dcsa.mil/About/

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.