Sierra Space · 16 hours ago
Principal Software Test Engineer (Contractor)
Centennial, CO
Full-time, Contract
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$86.60/hr - $119.08/hr
12+ years expSierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. The Principal Software Test Engineer is responsible for providing strategic direction and technical leadership over complex software testing campaigns, leading the development and implementation of innovative testing solutions, and ensuring alignment with industry best practices.
AerospaceTransportationChemical & MaterialsManufacturingAdvanced MaterialsIndustrial ManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of innovative testing solutions, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure alignment with industry best practices
Oversee the design, development, and execution of comprehensive software test plans, test cases, and test procedures to ensure the functionality, performance, and reliability of complex software systems
Architect and oversee the technical aspects of large-scale test campaigns for complex aerospace software systems, providing leadership in the innovation and adoption of new software test technologies and methodologies
Collaborate with software developers, systems engineers, and other engineering functions to design effective test strategies and direct others in overseeing the defect lifecycle from discovery to resolution, ensuring fixes meet requirements
Lead the definition of software test risks and opportunities while managing cost and schedule impacts, guiding teams of software test engineers and providing mentorship to ensure high-quality deliverables
Review, analyze, and contribute to the development of software design descriptions, ICDs, and requirements in coordination with software development teams, oversee software test trade studies such as test management tools and Continuous Integration Test techniques, and direct the development and execution of formal verification and qualification tests
Manage test result analysis, generate test reports, and address issue definitions, investigations, and closures while collaborating closely with cross-functional peers such as Program Management, Software Development, and Flight Operations to ensure quality throughout the software development lifecycle
Coordinate and define test roles and responsibilities across multiple simultaneous test campaigns, direct continuous improvement initiatives, and develop enterprise best practices in testing processes and methodologies
Architect and design sophisticated automated testing tools and frameworks to optimize testing processes, along with directing the development, peer review, and management of test plans, test harnesses, test cases, test scripts, test procedures, and test reports for aerospace software systems
Liaise with senior-level internal and external stakeholders to clarify requirements and discuss testing strategies, oversee team execution of software release tests, acceptance tests, and qualification tests, and champion the use of commercial software standards to ensure all test artifacts adhere to Sierra Space quality standards
Lead regression testing efforts to ensure new software updates do not negatively impact existing functionality or performance, orchestrate initiatives to improve automated testing tools and frameworks, and develop critical test artifacts such as test plans and reports
Provide leadership in code reviews, offer feedback on software quality and testability, and stay up-to-date with new testing tools and strategies, incorporating best practices into the testing cycle
Mentor and guide junior and mid-level test engineers, conduct root cause analysis on defects, and recommend improvements to prevent recurrence to drive the success of your team
Make high-level software test design decisions that impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance, drive the strategic direction of the software testing team to align with organizational goals, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical senior-level stakeholders to provide updates on testing progress, issues, and resolutions
Provide strong leadership to teams of test engineers, ensuring effective collaboration and project success
Qualification
Required
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, and implement complex software systems
Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers
Ability to make high-level design decisions
Ability to drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team
Demonstrated project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders
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
Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
Proficiency in multiple software development environments such as Linux, Windows, containerized environments, etc
Experience with at least one of the following: spacecraft flight software, ground command and control software, or other aerospace application software products
Experience architecting and maintaining automated testing tools and frameworks
Extensive experience employing software testing methodologies and best practices
Practical experience using continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) tools and processes
Extensive experience and understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies
Proficiency with multiple agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban
Ability to lead teams on complex projects involving both small and large engineering teams
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment across multiple engineering disciplines and functions
Experience with testing software systems used in aerospace or other highly regulated industries
Proficiency in multiple scripting languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Shell
Proficiency with object-oriented software design patterns
Experience with security testing practices and tools
Experience using cloud-based testing environments and tools
Experience with test management tools such as JIRA, TestRail, or similar
Experience in leading and managing software testing teams and testing campaigns
Experience with spacecraft simulation software, discrete time simulation or software modeling of hardware
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels of the organization
Practical experience utilizing software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop test methods
Familiarity with fault-tolerant software design and safety-critical systems
Demonstrated ability to mentor junior and mid-career engineers
Strong understanding of software system architectures and design patterns
Proven track record of making impactful design decisions in complex software projects
Demonstrated leadership of software test teams or software test campaigns
Company
Sierra Space
Sierra Space is a commercial space company that specializes in the development of advanced space technologies and solutions. It is a sub-organization of Sierra Nevada Corporation.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.69BKey Investors
Kanematsu Corporation,MUFG Bank,Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Dubai BranchCoatue,General Atlantic,Moore Strategic Ventures
2023-09-26Series B· $290M
2021-11-19Series A· $1.4B
Leadership Team
Amish Patel
Chief Operating Officer
Shay Nicole
Senior Manager, Marketing
Recent News
2026-01-09
EIN Presswire
2026-01-08
Company data provided by crunchbase