Sr Embedded Software Engineer

Sierra Space; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 156,666 - 215,437; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with match

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to lead the design and development of complex embedded systems for mission‑critical space programs. You will guide a team of engineers, drive high‑level design decisions, and ensure reliability, performance, and scalability across multi‑language codebases.

You will mentor junior engineers, implement Agile and Kanban workflows, evaluate new technologies, and document architectures to enable continuous improvement and successful outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Typically 8+ years of related experience.
• Deep expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
• Proven ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.
• Experience with Agile and Scrum/Kanban methodologies.
• Strong leadership to lead a team of engineers.
• Ability to make high‑level design decisions impacting cost, schedule, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, architect, and develop complex embedded software systems with reliability and scalability.
• Write clean, maintainable code in multiple languages and adhere to standards.
• Debug and troubleshoot critical software issues to ensure performance.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and document architectures and processes.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices.
• Lead Agile/Kanban workflows and drive continuous improvement.
• Evaluate new technologies and tools to enhance development processes.

Skills

Programming languages

Software architecture

Leadership

Agile/Scrum/Kanban

High-level design decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree +6 yrs experience

Tools

Git

VxWorks

Embedded Linux

ARINC 653

Job description

Sierra Space Careers:

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 Senior Embedded Software Engineer role at Sierra Space brings extensive experience and deep expertise to the design, development, and architecture of complex embedded software systems. This role requires strong leadership abilities to guide a team of engineers and the capability to make high‑level design decisions that significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance. The position is critical in driving innovation and ensuring the reliability and performance of embedded systems while working both independently and collaboratively. Additionally, the role involves evaluating and integrating new technologies and tools to enhance software development processes, contributing to the continuous improvement of the engineering team’s capabilities.

In this role, you will design, architect, and develop complex embedded software systems, ensuring reliability and scalability. You will write clean, maintainable, and efficient code in multiple programming languages, adhering to best practices and coding standards. Debugging and troubleshooting critical software issues will be central to your responsibilities, ensuring smooth functionality and system performance. Collaborating with cross‑functional teams, you will ensure software meets system requirements and performance standards. You will utilize version control systems such as Git for software development and collaboration, enabling seamless teamwork and code management. Additionally, you will document software architectures, designs, specifications, and development processes comprehensively for future reference and team alignment. Mentoring and guiding junior and intermediate engineers will be an integral part of your role, promoting best practices and fostering professional growth. Leading and implementing various software development methodologies such as Agile and Kanban, you will maintain an organized and efficient workflow. Furthermore, you will evaluate and integrate new technologies and tools to enhance software development processes, driving innovation and continuous improvement. Providing leadership in design reviews, you will make high‑level design decisions that significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance, ensuring successful outcomes for challenging and impactful projects.

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 Masters +6 yrs experience).
• Typically 8+ years of related experience.
• Deep expertise in multiple programming languages and advanced understanding of software development principles.
• Proven ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.
• Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.
• Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers.
• Ability to make high‑level design decisions that will have significant impacts on program cost, schedule, and technical performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing Flight Software for Space Missions and supporting troubleshooting during flight.
• Familiarity with time partitioning (ARINC 653) in safety critical software systems.
• Extensive experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS), for example VxWorks, or embedded Linux.
• Deep knowledge of hardware interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., 1553, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN).
• Proficiency with advanced debugging tools and techniques specific to embedded systems.
• Experience leading large‑scale projects or significant contributions to complex software initiatives.
• Strong ability to stay current with new technologies and methodologies.
• Familiarity with the complete software development life cycle (SDLC) and its various processes.
• Understanding of memory, timing, and throughput constraints in an embedded system to ensure robust and sound designs that address these issues.
• Knowledge of Dev Ops basics and experience implementing or maintaining Continuous Integration pipelines.

Compensation

Pay Range: $156,666.00 - $215,436.75

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.

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.

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.