Principal Software Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Southern Pines, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the development and optimization of advanced software systems for aerospace applications. You will lead major projects, mentor engineering teams, and drive innovation to achieve superior software performance. The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
14+ years of experience in experience in software development.
Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
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 multi-disciplinary teams.
Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
Hand/finger dexterity for coding and testing.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in advanced software technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, 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 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.
Proficient with data structures.

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 detailed 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 in collaboration with stakeholders.
Drive major continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software performance and reliability.
Represent the software engineering function in high-level strategic meetings and decision-making processes.