Senior Software Test Engineer, Sierra Space
$138.6-208k
Office located in Louisville, CO
Commercial space company
Job no longer available
Commercial space company
1001+ employees
Job no longer available
$138.6-208k
Office located in Louisville, CO
1001+ employees
Company mission
To build a platform in space to benefit life on Earth.
Role
Who you are
- Bachelor's of Science degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or other related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experience
- Thorough understanding of Computer Aided Engineering tools
- Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
- The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances
- 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
- 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
- Embedded software test lead experience
- Leadership in software development for test – directing test descriptions, test code, test procedures
- Skilled in Python test script development and review
- Test data and root-cause analysis experience
- Experience as a technical lead and/or product owner
- Skilled in systems thinking, data analysis, and verification/validation
- Experience with Linux/Unix command line interfaces
- Experience leveraging an Aircraft/Spacecraft simulator as part of a test platform
- Software-in-the-loop and Hardware-in-the-loop test experience
- Experience analyzing bus data and network communication protocols such as MIL-STD-1553
- NASA 7150.2 and/or DO-178 experience
- Test automation and continuous integration experience
- Experience with test management tools for requirements tracking, test case tracking, test code reviews, test pipeline configuration and execution, and automated test results
- Experience planning and directing software release tests, acceptance tests, and qualification tests
- Avionics hardware integration and test experience with flight and non-flight hardware
- Flight software integration and test experience
- Knowledge of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), Command & Data Handling (C&DH), Communications/RF, Electrical Power Systems, Mechatronics, Propulsion
- 1553, RS422, ethernet, NASA ISS interfaces, MODBUS, CAN
- Laboratory experience with generic lab equipment and protocols
- Control Account Management experience and Earned Value Management
- Configuration management
- Software classifications and safety criticality, especially for aerospace use
- Experience with Fault Detection, Isolation & Recovery (FDIR) and Condition Monitors and Action Sequences (CMAS) software
- LLR and HLR testing
- Experience with writing, decomposing, and analyzing requirements including high-level (HLR) and low-level (LLR)
- Experience with component, systems-level, and spacecraft-level testing
What the job involves
- Our Software Engineers work in an agile, collective environment
- You will be using your skills and expertise to define, design, develop, test, certify and improve cutting-edge software products
- These cover a very wide range from advanced mission payloads and electronic systems through highly integrated aircraft to orbital and space exploration systems
- You'll perform coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting of systems and software throughout our development process
- Your technical duties involve the design and development of new software products throughout the product lifecycle
- Review and analyze software design descriptions, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and requirements in coordination with development teams
- Design and architect various aspects of the test campaign
- Development of test descriptions, test code, and peer reviews
- Development and review of software code, specifically automated Python test scripts to be leveraged in the Continuous Integration environment
- Investigate, create, and close software bugs and test product bugs
- Plan team execution of software release tests, acceptance tests, and qualification tests
- Collect and report technical, schedule, and cost metrics
- Directly contribute to software critical path work that will enable first flight milestones including FQT, NASA Joint Tests, and Software Certification
- Interface with multiple cross-functional teams including Models and Simulations, Software Development, Hardware Development, Labs, Tools, Safety & Mission Assurance, and Program Management
- Use JIRA for software project management & development
- Zephyr test case description updates and peer reviews
- Perform anomaly investigations, test tool integrations, and Software Change Request (SCR) creation, evaluation, and closure
- Maximizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the test flow
- Managing scope creep and technical debt
- Mentoring junior engineers
- Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)
- Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials
- Rarely exposed to loud noises
Application process
- Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a pool of qualified candidates is identified
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 is closely tied to NASA but had adjusted near-term plans for its reusable Dream Chaser spaceplane, which was originally contracted to provide cargo resupply services to the International Space Station. Now, the company (working with NASA) will fly an initial free-flying demonstration mission, targeted for late 2026. The flight is intended to validate core systems such as autonomous operations, thermal protection, and runway landing, while reducing pressure from ISS certification timelines and gathering data to support future missions.
Alongside this, Sierra Space is expanding its footprint in defense and national security. In 2024, the company won its first Space Development Agency contract to build 18 satellites for the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer and has already completed the first 9 structures ahead of schedule. Supported by its Victory Works manufacturing facility and continued involvement in Orbital Reef, Sierra Space is increasingly positioned as a diversified supplier across civil, commercial and defense space markets.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Funding (last 2 of 4 rounds)
Mar 2026
$550m
SERIES C
Sep 2023
$290m
SERIES B
Total funding: $2.3bn
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
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