Senior Principal Software Engineer

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 Sr. Principal Software Engineer role involves designing, developing, and testing software applications for space systems and technologies. This advanced position requires extensive 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 involves leading a team of engineers, making high‑level design decisions, and driving the strategic direction of the software engineering team. The role also requires project leadership, strong problem‑solving skills, and effective communication with non‑technical stakeholders. 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 lead a team of engineers, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and support to foster collaboration and growth within the team. You will make high‑level design decisions that significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance, drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team, and demonstrate project leadership, strong problem‑solving skills, and effective communication with non‑technical stakeholders. Furthermore, you will architect and oversee the technical aspects of large‑scale projects, innovate, and make strategic decisions regarding the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

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 master’s +13 yrs experience).
• Typically, 15+ years of related experience.
• Extensive expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
• Ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.
• Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers.
• Ability to make high‑level design decisions.
• Ability to drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team.
• Demonstrated project leadership, strong problem‑solving skills, and effective communication with non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to architect and oversee the technical aspects of large‑scale projects, innovate, and make decisions on the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
• Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with real‑time/performance‑critical software and system‑level optimization, including where ground systems interface with vehicle or hardware timing constraints.
• Mastery in programming languages (Python, C++) and their ecosystems, including Python FastAPI, at an architectural level across multiple programs.
• Expertise in scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell, Perl) and automation tools (Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, Chef) at an enterprise infrastructure scale.
• Proven, organization-wide experience with Agile or Scrum methodologies and tools (JIRA, Confluence, Jenkins), including guiding multiple teams through sprints.
• Exceptional analytical skills, performance profiling, memory management, and debugging of complex distributed ground systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with proficiency in collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) and facilitating development ceremonies across teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large‑scale ground software projects from inception to completion.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision‑making skills at a program or organizational level.
• Expert‑level knowledge of database management systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB), including optimization and scaling strategies for large operational/telemetry data stores.
• Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, including GovCloud) and cloud‑native development; familiarity with Azure or Google Cloud a plus.
• Advanced proficiency with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes, Helm, ArgoCD) at enterprise scale.
• In‑depth understanding of network protocols, security principles, and secure coding practices for systems handling command/telemetry links in classified or controlled environments.
• Ability to write, maintain, and set standards for comprehensive technical documentation, including interface control documents (ICDs).
• Extensive experience with CI/CD pipelines and advanced automated testing frameworks, including test and checkout systems used for vehicle validation.
• Proven track record of mentoring and guiding engineers at all levels, providing technical leadership across teams.
• Experience with continuous integration and automated testing at an organizational scale.
• Knowledge of and experience implementing Software Design Patterns across complex, enterprise‑scale applications.
• Familiarity with SysML/UML to create and maintain software designs, particularly against flight/vehicle segment interfaces.
• Experience utilizing and setting up static analysis tools as part of a broader code quality and mission‑assurance strategy.

Compensation

Pay Range: $206,107.00 - $283,397.50 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

This position requires current/active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non‑U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

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

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 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.

About Sierra Space

Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission‑proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight‑proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.