> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1467309-principal-level-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1467309-principal-level-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal-level Software Engineer - **Company:** Stratolaunch, LLC - **Location:** Mojave, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Agile Methodology, Component-Based Software Engineering, Software Applications, JIRA, C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Computer Programming, Computer Networks, Custom Software, Embedded Software, Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Systems Development Life Cycle, Serial Communications, Software Engineering, VxWorks, Software Verification, Hardware Testing, Git, Bitbucket - **Published:** July 28, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/efd62e99-e744-437c-a7f3-5e51c88ab4ae ## About the Role To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions., * Must demonstrate the ability to perform the Essential Responsibilities * Experience with real-time embedded software development * Experience with serial communications, software test, and computer networking * Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities * Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasking, and coordinate with VMS lead to accomplish VMS goals. * Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance Required Computer Skills: * C++ language programming, * Flight computer and/or vehicle management computer software development, test, and integration * Agile Software Development methodologies * Experience with VxWorks operating systems * Experience with 1553 communication * TS/SCI security clearance Preferred Computer Skills: * Familiarity with configuration management systems - Jira, Bitbucket, or Git * Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink and/or Python, * Sr-level ($120,500-158,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience * Staff-level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience * Principal Level ($181,000-$237,300): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20+ years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable * Position based in Mojave, CA. Fully on-site preferred, but open to considering a hybrid work arrangement with ~75% regular on-site time for well-qualified candidates. * Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5% #hypersonicprogram #software Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews. ## Description To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a full-time Sr-, Staff-, or Principal-level Software Engineer to lead the development and testing of flight software for an autonomous hypersonic test vehicle. While reporting to the Vehicle Management System (VMS) lead, you will lead multiple phases of the software development lifecycle and collaborate with other personnel throughout system development, ground test, and flight test. You will integrate and oversee the integration of vehicle management system application code in addition to the development of subsystem management code. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Develop and test new flight software in support of hypersonic air-launch vehicle systems * Contribute and oversee the integration of complex aerospace systems * Collaborate with stakeholders to develop software requirements and solutions * Support flight software architecture development including concept and implementation * Perform design and/or analysis to support component development * Contribute to hardware integration with the development of interface documents * Develop and oversee software components to interface with and control sensors and effectors * Develop and oversee software test processes in support of software verification and validation * Support various lab/bench hardware tests with custom software * Provide technical guidance for projects within the larger program * Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments * Travel, as needed, to support the department ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? Realistic Software Engineering Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/425-how-much-does-a-software-engineer-make-realistic-software-engineering-salaries) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies in Europe](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/162-highest-paying-tech-companies-in-europe) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)