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Principal Software Engineer - IPT Lead (Flight Software) (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

Software Engineering
Multiple locations
Posted on Sep 14, 2024

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.

At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn’t restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.

We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

Do you enjoy developing new products and services? Join us! Our Software Engineers work in an agile, collective environment. You will be using your skills and expertise to define, design, develop, test, certify and improve cutting-edge software products. These cover a very wide range from advanced mission payloads and electronic systems through highly integrated aircraft to orbital and space exploration systems. You'll perform coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting of systems and software throughout our development process. Your technical duties involve the design and development of new software products throughout the product lifecycle.

Sierra Space’s Orbital Mission and Services (OMS) division focuses on the design, build, and operations of small satellites in support of commercial services and national security space and offers two work locations: Louisville, Colorado and Centennial, Colorado.

About You
Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.

We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision, and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and maintain flight software for satellite systems consistent with Customer quality, cost, and schedule requirements.

  • Develop embedded flight code using standard RTOS runtime components and development tools

  • Assess new spacecraft designs to determine detailed, low-level software requirements

  • Work with systems and subsystem engineers to ensure proper integration of subsystem code into the functional design and to ensure compliance of flight software designs with Engineering performance specifications

  • Implement functional spacecraft capabilities that fall in areas of spacecraft command, communication, data management, fault protection, etc.)

  • Participate in the development and oversight of Software-in-the-loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) systems

  • Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.

  • Develop, execute, and analyze unit tests verifying satisfaction of requirements, proper implementation of interfaces, and code coverage

  • Debug existing software and correct defects

  • Originate software architecture documents, verification and validation plans, procedures, reports, and other documentation in support of flight software design and development activities

  • Work with other engineers to implement operating procedures, resolve system issues, and provide required technical information

  • Provide technical leadership to small work teams within the flight software development team while also making individual contributions

  • Lead an agile scrum team focused on delivering embedded software for space applications

  • Estimate cost and schedule for spacecraft flight software development activities


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's of Science degree Computer Science, Software Engineering or other related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experience

  • Advanced capabilities using Computer Aided Engineering tools

  • Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices

  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams

  • Active Top Secret US Government security clearance with SCI eligibility


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of industry standard software languages such as C, C#, C++, HTML, Java, Python, and Bash

  • Experience with software tools for requirements tracking, code reviews, static analysis, library and artifact repository, and automated build

  • Knowledge of software development methodologies such as Agile/Scrum, Waterfall, and Spiral

  • Familiarity with spacecraft mission design including events, pointing modes, maneuver planning, sequencing, and operations.

  • Have a strong understanding of space missions from conception through flight and disposal.

  • Experience with spacecraft failure in post-CDR testing and on-orbit, root cause analysis, and recovery

  • Experience with processes for software release, revisioning, and configuration.

  • Proficient with data structures

  • Strong communication skills with team members, management, and customers

  • Experience with clear, concise presentations to management and customers.

At Sierra Space we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. Sierra Space has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies.

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

  • Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps

  • Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity

  • Rarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs.


Working Conditions:

  • Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)

  • Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials

  • Rarely exposed to loud noises

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires an active Top Secret with SCI eligibility 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.


Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Estimated Starting Salary Range:

$159,430.15 - $219,216.46

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.

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.