Senior Principal Software Engineer, Sierra Space
$201.1-276.5k
Office located in Broomfield, CO or Centennial, CO
Commercial space company
Open for applications
Commercial space company
1001+ employees
Open for applications
$201.1-276.5k
Office located in Broomfield, CO or Centennial, CO
1001+ employees
Company mission
To build a platform in space to benefit life on Earth.
Role
Who you are
- This role requires strong leadership abilities to guide a team of engineers and the capability to make high-level design decisions that significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance
- We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey
- We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision, and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below
- Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +13 yrs experience)
- Typically, 15+ years of related experience
- Extensive expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles
- Proven ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems
- Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers
- Ability to make high-level design decisions
- Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban
- Ability to drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team
- Demonstrated project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with nontechnical stakeholders
- Ability to architect and oversee the technical aspects of large-scale projects, innovate, and make decisions on the adoption of new technologies and methodologies
- The ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
- Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:
- Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps
- Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity
- Rarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs
Desirable
- Strong working knowledge of object-oriented design using C++
- Interpersonal skills for communicating with program and customer stakeholders
- Top-notch problem solving and troubleshooting skills
- Experience developing in Linux, ideally on other flight software
- Understanding of memory, timing and throughput constraints in an embedded system and ensure robust and sound designs that address these issues
- Extensive experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux
- Deep knowledge of hardware interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C, CAN)
- Proficiency with advanced debugging tools and techniques specific to embedded systems
- Experience leading large-scale projects or significant contributions to complex software initiatives
- Strong ability to stay current with new technologies and methodologies
- Familiarity with the complete software development life cycle (SDLC) and its various processes
What the job involves
- The Sr Principal Software Engineer role at Sierra Space brings extensive experience and deep expertise to the design, development, and architecture of complex embedded software systems
- The position is critical in driving innovation and ensuring the reliability and performance of embedded systems while working both independently and collaboratively
- Additionally, the role involves evaluating and integrating new technologies and tools to enhance software development processes, contributing to the continuous improvement of the engineering team's capabilities
- As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, your primary responsibility will be to design, architect, and develop complex embedded software systems, as well as lead and potentially mentor more junior developers
- Debugging and troubleshooting software issues
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets system requirements and performance standards
- Utilizing industry-standard tools such as Git, GitLab, VS Code, Linux for software development and collaboration
- Documenting software architectures, designs, specifications, and development processes
- Providing leadership in design reviews and making high-level design decisions impacting program cost, schedule, and technical performance
- The Sr Principal Software Engineer participates in all portions of the flight software life cycle supporting ongoing and future small satellite programs
Our take
Sierra Space is developing the next generation of power and infrastructure for the evolving space economy. Over the last three decades, the company and its affiliates have produced more than 4,000 space systems, and achieved 500+ space missions, including to Mars.
The company was selected to build NASA's 3rd commercial cargo resupply spacecraft, to resupply the international space station. It is currently working with NASA to achieve this in 2024 through the reusable Dream Chaser vehicle. As well as this, the company is partnered with Blue Origin, Boeing and others to build a space station called “Orbital Reef".
Sierra Space is one of a growing number of commercial space station initiatives and has raised significant funding. Off the back of its 2023 capital raise, 2024 saw the release of the Sierra Space Eclipse bus line, which will be implemented in earth observation, servicing, mobility, logistics and communications. The variety of missions this new line can be used for exemplifies Sierra's position as an innovator in the rapidly evolving space industry.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Funding (last 2 of 3 rounds)
Sep 2023
$290m
SERIES B
Jul 2022
$24.5m
LATE VC
Total funding: $1.7bn
Company benefits
- Medical Coverage: We offer two comprehensive medical plans, a PPO and an HDHP, designed to prioritize the well-being of our team members
- Dental Coverage: HMO and PPO dental plans are aimed at promoting optimal oral health and reducing costs
- Vision Coverage: Our vision plan offers access to a wide range of in-network and out-of-network providers
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Maximize savings and use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical and dependent care expenses
- Health Savings Account: This tax-advantaged savings account allows team members to set aside pre-tax funds to cover qualified medical expenses
- Life and AD&D Insurance: Comprehensive Basic and Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance offers financial protection to your family
- Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance provides wage replacement should you suffer a disability that prevents you from working
- 401K Profit Sharing Plan: Employees may contribute 1% to 100% of base salary up to the annual IRS maximum. Employer match provided with a 5-year vesting schedule
- Employee Assistance Program: Confidential service available 24/7 that provides assessment, counseling, resources and referrals to employees
- Professional Development / Educational Reimbursement Plan: Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate tuition, books and fees.
Company HQ
Louisville, Colorado
Leadership
Tom Vice
(CEO, not founder)Also founder and CEO of Vice Aero. Previously CEO and President at Aerion Supersonic, and President of Aerospace Systems at Northrop Grumman.
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