Software Engineer III - Flight Software

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 Software Engineer III role involves designing, developing, and testing software applications for space systems and technologies. This advanced position requires expertise in at least one programming language, an advanced understanding of software development principles, and the ability to design and architect 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 mentoring and guiding other engineers, providing technical leadership and support.

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, and you will mentor and guide other engineers, providing technical leadership and support to foster growth and collaboration within the team.

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 +3 yrs experience).
• Typically, 5+ years of related experience.
• Expertise in one to multiple programming languages and advanced understanding of software development principles.
• Ability to design and architect complex software systems.
• Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to mentor and guide other engineers.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with kernel-level programming.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C++, Java) and their ecosystems.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell) and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• Experience with Agile or Scrum/Kanban methodologies and tools (JIRA, Confluence, Jenkins).
• Strong analytical skills, performance profiling, and debugging complex systems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, and efficient with collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) and development ceremonies (daily standup, backlog grooming, work planning, task estimation, retrospectives, etc.).
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker).
• Understanding of network protocols, security principles, and secure coding practices.
• Ability to write and maintain technical documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
• Experience with continuous integration and automated test.
• Experience utilizing and setting up static analysis tools.

Pay Range

$129,776.00 - $178,441.25

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.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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: 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.