HimalayasHimalayas logo
Sierra SpaceSS

Principal Software Systems Engineer (Contract)

Sierra Space is a prominent commercial space company innovating in space transportation and infrastructure, with significant contributions to the future of space exploration and affordability.

Sierra Space

Employee count: 1001-5000

Canada only

Stay safe on Himalayas

Never send money to companies. Jobs on Himalayas will never require payment from applicants.

Sierra Space Careers:

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.

About the Role

The 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, develop, and test software applications for space systems and technologies while writing clean, maintainable code that adheres to best practices and coding standards. You will architect and implement complex software systems to meet project requirements and collaborate with team members to understand project needs, contributing to the development of effective software solutions. Utilizing version control systems such as Git, you will manage code changes and work collaboratively with team members. You will participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and adherence to development standards, troubleshoot and resolve software-related issues in a timely manner, and document software configurations, processes, and procedures for future reference. Staying current with industry trends and advancements in software development and space technologies will be essential. Additionally, you will independently contribute to the design and development of software applications, conduct unit tests, and participate in code reviews. You will also provide technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers, fostering collaboration and growth within the team.

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.

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +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.

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.

Elevate Your Career

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.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

About the job

Apply before

Posted on

Job type

Full Time

Experience level

Location requirements

Hiring timezones

Canada +/- 0 hours

About Sierra Space

Learn more about Sierra Space and their company culture.

View company profile

Sierra Space is a leading commercial space company that stands at the forefront of innovation in the burgeoning space economy. With nearly 30 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering space systems, the company is redefining the future of space exploration. Its revolutionary spaceplane, Dream Chaser®, is the first commercial spaceplane capable of taking off and landing on conventional runways, specifically designed for cargo supply missions to the International Space Station (ISS). This capability positions Sierra Space as a leader in providing advanced space transportation solutions that enhance access to low-Earth orbit.

Furthermore, Sierra Space is developing the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE™) Habitat, an inflatable multi-purpose structure that will serve as the backbone of the first commercial space station. This innovative habitat is designed for a variety of applications, including scientific research, bio-agriculture, and manufacturing, thereby facilitating significant advancements in utilizing zero-gravity environments for commercial purposes. Sierra Space is also at the forefront of creating a shared ecosystem in space, enabling scientific collaboration and innovation to benefit life on Earth. Their mission places great emphasis on making space more affordable and accessible, directly contributing to a sustainable future in the field of space exploration.

Claim this profileSierra Space logoSS

Sierra Space

View company profile

Similar remote jobs

Here are other jobs you might want to apply for.

View all remote jobs

3 remote jobs at Sierra Space

Explore the variety of open remote roles at Sierra Space, offering flexible work options across multiple disciplines and skill levels.

View all jobs at Sierra Space

Remote companies like Sierra Space

Find your next opportunity by exploring profiles of companies that are similar to Sierra Space. Compare culture, benefits, and job openings on Himalayas.

View all companies

Find your dream job

Sign up now and join over 100,000 remote workers who receive personalized job alerts, curated job matches, and more for free!

Sign up
Himalayas profile for an example user named Frankie Sullivan