Sr Software Engineer (contractor)

Sierra Space; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space in Louisville, KY is seeking a Sr. Software Engineer to design, develop, and test software for space systems and technologies.

The role emphasizes clean, maintainable code, architectural thinking, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet complex project requirements. You will participate in code reviews, mentor engineers, and make high-level design decisions impacting cost, schedule, and technical performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of related software engineering experience.
• Deep expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
• Ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum/Kanban and strong leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test software for space systems and technologies.
• Architect and implement complex software systems to meet project requirements.
• Lead code reviews, mentor teammates, and ensure coding standards.
• Make high-level design decisions impacting cost, schedule, and performance.
• Collaborate across teams and document software configurations and processes.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Agile methods

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree +6 yrs experience

Tools

GitHub

GitLab

Bitbucket

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 Sr. Software Engineer role involves designing, developing, and testing software applications for space systems and technologies. This advanced position requires deep 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 may involve providing technical leadership, mentorship, and making high-level design decisions that significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance.

In this role, you will design, develop, and test software applications for space systems and technologies while writing clean, maintainable code that adheres to best practices and coding standards. You will architect and implement complex software systems to meet project requirements and collaborate with team members to understand project needs, contributing to the development of effective software solutions. Utilizing version control systems such as Git, you will manage code changes and work collaboratively with team members. You will participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and adherence to development standards, troubleshoot and resolve software-related issues in a timely manner, and document software configurations, processes, and procedures for future reference. Staying current with industry trends and advancements in software development and space technologies will be essential. Additionally, you will provide technical leadership, mentorship, and support to team members, making high-level design decisions that have significant impacts on program cost, schedule, and technical performance.

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 software development principles.
• 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:

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 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, and efficient with collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) and development ceremonies (daily standup, backlog grooming, work planning, task estimation, retrospectives, etc.).
• Ability to write and maintain technical documentation.
• Experience with continuous integration and automated test.
• Knowledge of and experience implementing Software Design Patterns.
• Familiarity with SysML/UML to create software designs.
• Experience utilizing and setting up static analysis tools.

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.

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.

Sierra Space Corporation is 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 with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.