ForgeApplyTry it free

ForgeApply · Job listing

Sr Principal Software Engineer (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space

Centennial, CO | Louisville, US$206k – $283konsite

See all 168 open roles at Sierra Space →

Tailor your resume for this Sierra Space job in about a minute.

ForgeApply tailors your resume and cover letter to this exact posting, then hands you a ready-to-submit application for Sierra Space's site. Free trial, no card required.

Tailor my resume for this jobView original posting →

About this role

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 kno

Tailor your resume for this Sierra Space role before you apply.

Tailor my resume for this job

Similar jobs

More like this: Software Engineer Jobs · Browse all jobs

Free ATS checker · How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description (Step by Step)