Principal Software Engineer - Ground Software

The Principal Software Engineer for Ground Software is responsible for designing, developing, and testing software for space systems and technologies. This role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, code quality practices, and documentation of software configurations and processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test software applications for space systems and technologies.
• Write clean, maintainable code aligned with established best practices and coding standards.
• Architect and implement complex software systems to satisfy project requirements.
• Collaborate with team members to clarify project needs and contribute to effective software solutions.
• Use version control systems such as Git to manage code changes and support team collaboration.
• Participate in code reviews to maintain code quality and adherence to development standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software-related issues in a timely manner.
• Document software configurations, processes, and procedures for future reference.
• Independently contribute to the design and development of software applications.
• Conduct unit tests and participate in code reviews.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers to support collaboration and professional growth.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in software development and space technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience; or master's plus 10 years of experience).
• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Extensive expertise across multiple programming languages and software development principles.
• Ability to design, architect, implement, and test complex software systems.
• Expert-level understanding of software engineering processes, advanced algorithmic knowledge, domain-specific design patterns, performance tuning, and system scalability.
• Mastery in writing scalable, optimized code with strong secure coding and system architecture fundamentals.
• Ability to independently contribute to software design and development, perform unit testing, and support code review practices.
• Experience with software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.
• U.S. Security Clearance is required to obtain and maintain.

Technologies

• Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
• Python, C++, Java
• SysML/UML
• Agile, Scrum, Kanban
• Static analysis tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience; or master's plus 10 years of experience).

Preferred Qualifications

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

Compensation

Pay Range: USD 184,628 - 253,884.50 per year. Actual base compensation will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
• Life insurance
• 3 weeks paid time off

Location

Centennial, CO (onsite).

Security Clearance and Eligibility Notice

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• U.S. citizenship status is required because an active U.S. Security Clearance is needed for employment.
• Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
• Adjudicative aspects are handled by the Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF) for industry applicants.
• Adjudicative factors include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, and illegal drug use.

Application Details

• This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
• Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms.
• Unsolicited resumes submitted to the website or to Sierra Space team members outside approved vendor lists or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and Sierra Space will not be obligated to pay referral fees.

Career Development

Sierra Space supports personal and professional development and emphasizes a culture of collaboration where teamwork supports breakthrough innovations.