Principal Software Engineer (Architecture/Design Development)

Sierra Nevada Corporation • Lone Tree, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Software Engineer provides technical leadership and strategic direction for developing and optimizing advanced software systems for aerospace applications. The role leads major projects, mentors engineering teams, and drives innovation to achieve superior software performance. The engineer works in an agile, collective environment and collaborates across disciplines to ensure software meets performance, quality, and regulatory standards.

The position is within SNC’s Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area, which integrates manned and unmanned aircraft systems and provides end-to-end C4ISR capabilities, including design, integration, testing, certification, training, and logistics support. The position requires an active U.S. security clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; a higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• 14 or more years of experience in software development.
• Expert proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.
• Extensive leadership experience in software development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in software and equipment architecture/design development, technical monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• An active Secret security clearance and eligibility to obtain Top Secret or Top Secret with SCI eligibility; the notice also states that current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility is required.
• U.S. citizenship is required because the position requires an active U.S. security clearance.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and hand/finger dexterity for coding and testing.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• Expertise in advanced software technologies such as AI, machine learning, or cloud computing.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems.
• Significant experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
• Understanding of industry-standard software languages including C, C#, C++, HTML, Java, Python, and Bash.
• Experience with software tools for requirements tracking, code reviews, static analysis, library and artifact repositories, and automated builds.
• Knowledge of Agile/Scrum, Waterfall, and Spiral software development methodologies.
• Proficiency with data structures.
• Experience with the Open Mission System messaging protocol and Universal Command and Control Interface standards.
• Experience supporting mission system architectures and capabilities.
• Experience applying systems engineering principles to software-based solutions.
• Understanding of airframes, air vehicle subsystems, and general operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction for the development of advanced software systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets performance, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of software documentation, including design specifications and user manuals.
• Mentor and guide engineering teams on technical best practices and innovation.
• Conduct high-level code reviews and provide strategic feedback.
• Define and implement software requirements and specifications with stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software performance and reliability.
• Represent software engineering in high-level strategic meetings and decision-making processes.

Benefits

• Annual incentive pay based on performance and commensurate with the position level.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with a 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal