Principal Software Engineer (Architecture/Design Development)

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Plano, TX

3d•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 improve software performance. The engineer works in an agile, collaborative environment within SNC’s Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Aviation, and Security business area, which integrates manned and unmanned aircraft systems and provides C4ISR capabilities spanning design, integration, testing, certification, training, and logistics support. The position requires expertise in software and equipment architecture and design development, technical monitoring, and lifecycle management. It involves collaboration across disciplines and with stakeholders to define software requirements and specifications, ensure performance, quality, and regulatory compliance, and support mission-system architectures and capabilities. The role may be performed in a hybrid environment and involves occasional travel. Current active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and U.S. citizenship are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; a higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
At least 14 years of software development experience; a higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
Expert proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python.
Extensive software development leadership experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
Active Secret clearance with eligibility to obtain Top Secret or Top Secret with SCI eligibility; the posting also states that current/active Top Secret clearance 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.

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 developing 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 in collaboration with stakeholders.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software performance and reliability.
Represent software engineering in strategic meetings and decision-making processes.
Apply expertise in software and equipment architecture and design development, technical monitoring, and lifecycle management.