Principal Software Engineer - Ground Software

In this Principal Software Engineer role, you will help shape software used in space systems and related technologies at Sierra Space. The position focuses on designing, developing, and testing software applications, while also setting technical direction through architecture, code quality practices, and engineering mentorship.

What you will do

• Design, develop, and test software applications for space systems and technologies
• Write clean, maintainable code aligned with best practices and coding standards
• Architect and implement complex software systems to meet project requirements
• Collaborate with team members to understand project needs and contribute to effective software solutions
• Use version control systems such as Git to manage code changes and collaborate with others
• Participate in code reviews to ensure 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
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in software development and space technologies
• Independently contribute to the design and development of software applications
• Conduct unit tests and participate in code reviews
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, supporting collaboration and growth within the team

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent work experience; or a master’s degree with 10+ years of experience
• Typically 12+ years of related experience
• Extensive expertise across multiple programming languages and core software development principles
• Ability to design, architect, implement, and test complex software systems
• Expert understanding of software engineering processes, advanced algorithmic knowledge, domain-specific design patterns, performance tuning, and system scalability
• Strong capability in scalable, optimized code with knowledge of best practices, including secure coding and system architecture principles
• Ability to independently contribute to design and development, conduct unit tests, and participate in code reviews
• Experience with software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban
• U.S. Security Clearance: must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility

Technologies

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

Compensation

• Pay Range: USD 184,628 - 253,884.50 per year
• Actual base compensation will be determined case-by-case 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

Application notes

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance, and U.S. citizenship is required for employment due to the need for an active U.S. Security Clearance. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF) handles the adjudicative aspects of clearance eligibility for industry applicants.

The 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, and any unsolicited resumes submitted outside the approved process may be considered property of Sierra Space without referral-fee obligations.

Location: Centennial, CO (onsite)

Experience: 12+ years

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience; or master’s +10 years experience)