Principal Software Engineer

About the RoleThe Principal Software Engineer role involves designing, developing, and testing software applications for space systems and technologies. This advanced position requires extensive expertise in multiple programming languages, an advanced understanding of software development principles, and the ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems. The role includes writing clean, maintainable code, collaborating with team members to understand project requirements, and contributing to the development of innovative software solutions. Additionally, this position requires a deep understanding of software engineering processes, advanced algorithmic knowledge, and system scalability. The role also involves providing technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers. In this role, you will design, implement, and maintain GitHub Enterprise installations both on-premises and in Azure environments, leveraging Kubernetes for build runners while synchronizing GitHub Enterprise in Azure with air-gapped environments. You'll configure, deploy, and maintain Artifactory in air-gapped environments and develop CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, Docker, and Kubernetes. Your responsibilities include monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, ensuring high service availability, and collaborating with software developers to optimize development processes and embed security practices. Additionally, you'll automate infrastructure provisioning and configuration management using tools like Terraform and Ansible, conduct comprehensive system tests covering security, performance, and availability assessments, and ensure the team produces quality-driven, reproducible software that adheres to industry best practices.About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower - to join us in this critical mission.

• Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +10 yrs experience).
• Typically, 12+ years of related experience.
• Extensive expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
• Ability to design, architect, implement, and test complex software systems.
• Expert understanding of software engineering processes, advanced algorithmic knowledge, domain-specific design patterns, performance tuning, and system scalability.
• Mastery in writing scalable, optimized code, ability to design complex software systems, and knowledge of best practices, including secure coding, and system architecture principles.
• Ability to independently contribute to the design and development of software applications, conduct unit tests, and participate in code reviews.
• Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.
• Willingness and ability to obtain Security Plus or IAT2 certification is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Security Plus or IAT2 certification.
• Proven experience as a DevOps/DevSecOps Engineer.
• Proficient in one or more scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Strong experience designing and implementing GitHub CI/CD pipelines.
• Hands-on experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Ansible.
• Expertise in containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
• Experience working in air-gapped environments and synchronizing external and internal systems.
• Experience with Windows and Linux software development
• Ability to identify bottlenecks in software development and create solutions to increase efficiency.
• Strong understanding of security and software development best practices and principles.
• Experience with additional DevSecOps tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, specifically Azure.
• Experience with logging and monitoring tools (ELK stack, Prometheus, Grafana).
• Experience with C/C++ build tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

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What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

• Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
• Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
• Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
• Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
• Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
• Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team., At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.