Sr Software Engineer, Ground 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 RoleThe Sr. Software Engineer role involves designing, developing, and testing software applications for space systems and technologies. This advanced position requires deep 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 may involve providing technical leadership, mentorship, and making high-level design decisions that significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance.
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 provide technical leadership, mentorship, and support to team members, making high-level design decisions that have significant impacts on program cost, schedule, and technical performance.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 +6 yrs experience).

• Typically, 8+ years of related experience.

• Deep expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.

• Ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.

• Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.

• Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers.

• Ability to make high-level design decisions that will have significant impacts on program cost, schedule, and technical performance.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced expertise in Python and React with demonstrated ability to architect complex applications.

• Proven experience designing and implementing solutions with Python FastAPI.

• Extensive experience with Kubernetes, Helm, and ArgoCD for enterprise-level application deployments and orchestration.

• Demonstrated mastery of code coverage testing methodologies and implementing comprehensive unit testing strategies.

• Proven leadership in Agile or Scrum/Kanban environments, including guiding teams through sprints and utilizing enterprise tools (JIRA, Confluence).

• Advanced proficiency with scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell) and expertise with automation tools (Ansible).

• Expert-level analytical skills for system optimization, performance profiling, and troubleshooting complex distributed systems.

• Superior communication and team leadership abilities, with track record of effectively using collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) and facilitating development ceremonies (daily standups, backlog grooming, sprint planning, task estimation, retrospectives).

• Extensive experience with AWS cloud platforms and cloud-native architecture design.

• Advanced knowledge of containerization (Docker) and container orchestration (Kubernetes) at scale.

• Deep understanding of network protocols, security principles, and implementing secure coding practices in enterprise environments.

• Proven ability to create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for complex systems.

• Expert problem-solving skills with demonstrated experience designing and optimizing CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.

• Extensive experience implementing and optimizing continuous integration workflows and automated testing strategies.

• Advanced knowledge and practical implementation of Software Design Patterns in enterprise applications.

• Expert-level knowledge of database management systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB) including optimization and scaling strategies.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$156,666.00 - $215,436.75

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 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.

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.