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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - Ground Software - **Company:** Sierra Space - **Location:** Centennial, CO, United States - **Salary:** $184,628.0 - $253,885.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Software Applications, Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Static Program Analysis, Profiling, Code Review, Collaborative Software, Software Debugging, Software Design Patterns, Github, Python (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Scrum Methodology, Secure Coding, Software Engineering, Systems Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, UML, Scripting, Gitlab, Information Technology, Bitbucket, Programming Languages - **Published:** September 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18334459?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18334459%2FPrincipal-Software-Engineer-Ground-Software-Colorado-Centennial ## About the Role * 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. * The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required. Preferred Qualifications: * Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Extensive experience with kernel-level programming. * Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C++, Java) and their ecosystems. * In-depth knowledge of scripting languages and automation tools. * Proven experience with software development methodologies such as Agile or Kanban/Scrum. * Exceptional analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail. * Superior communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment. * Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale software projects from inception to completion. * Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills. * Strong analytical skills, performance profiling, and debugging complex systems. * Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with experience using collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket). * Ability to write and maintain technical documentation. * Familiarity with SysML/UML to create software designs. * Experience utilizing and setting up static analysis tools. ## Related Videos - [You’re a great coder? That alone won’t get you far: The soft skills secret in IT success](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1076-you-re-a-great-coder-that-alone-won-t-get-you-far-the-soft-skills-secret-in-it-success) - [Innovating Developer Tools with AI: Insights from GitHub Next](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1268-innovating-developer-tools-with-ai-insights-from-github-next) - [ChatGPT and Java: A Match Made in Heaven or Hell?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/536-chatgpt-and-java-a-match-made-in-heaven-or-hell) - [GitLab CI pipelines for a whole company](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/143-gitlab-ci-pipelines-for-a-whole-company) - [Grappling With Clunky Old Software? Start by Understanding What’s Inside!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1189-grappling-with-clunky-old-software-start-by-understanding-what-s-inside) - [Bringing AI Model Testing and Prompt Management to Your Codebase with GitHub Models](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1536-bringing-ai-model-testing-and-prompt-management-to-your-codebase-with-github-models) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)