Principal Software Test Engineer

Do you enjoy developing new products and services? Join us! Our Software Engineers work in an agile, collective environment. You will be using your skills and expertise to define, design, develop, test, certify and improve cutting-edge software products. These cover a very wide range from advanced mission payloads and electronic systems through highly integrated aircraft to orbital and space exploration systems. You'll perform coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting of systems and software throughout our development process. Your technical duties involve the design and development of new software products throughout the product lifecycle.Sierra Space—based in Louisville, CO with operations in Madison, WI, Durham, NC, Huntsville, AL, Houston, TX, and Kennedy Space Center, FL—designs and manufactures the Dream Chaser spaceplane and other advanced spacecraft, commercial space destinations, satellites, propulsion and environmental systems, spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. government (including NASA), commercial customers, and international organizations. Learn more about Sierra Space.The Software Test Engineer works under the Flight Software Test Team and reports to the Test, Integration, and Labs (TIL) Lead. The Software Test Engineer is responsible for designing and developing Dream Chaser software test inputs (test cases, code/scripts, and procedures), executing/directing software tests, and producing/reviewing test output products (test logs, test analyses, automated test results). Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:Review and analyze software design descriptions, ICDs, and requirements in coordination with development teamsDesign and architect various aspects of the test campaignAs appropriate, serve as the technical lead and/or product owner  Monitor and implement continuous team improvements Direct the development of test descriptions and peer reviewsDirect the development and review of software code, specifically automated Python test scripts to be leveraged in the Continuous Integration environmentInvestigate, create, and close software bugs and test product bugsPlan team execution of software release tests, acceptance tests, and qualification tests Collect and report technical, schedule, and cost metrics Ensure that software standards are met and that all test artifacts adhere to Sierra Space standardsMust-haves: Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or other related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experienceRelated experience may be considered in lieu of required educationA higher-level degree may substitute for experienceAdvanced capabilities using Computer Aided Engineering toolsDemonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practicesExperience working in multi-disciplinary teamsPreferred: Understanding of industry standard software languages such as C, C#, C++, HTML, Java, Python, and BashExperience with software tools for requirements tracking, code reviews, static analysis, library and artifact repository, and automated buildKnowledge of software development methodologies such as Agile/Scrum, Waterfall, and SpiralProficient with data structures The ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance may be required.  Learn more about the background check process for Security ClearancesEmbedded software test lead experience Leadership in software development for test – directing test descriptions, test code, test proceduresSkilled in Python test script development and review Test data analysis and root-cause analysis experienceExcellent communications skillsExcellent leadership skills Experience as a technical lead and/or product owner  Skilled in systems thinking, data analysis, and verification/validation Experience with Linux/Unix command line interfaces Experience leveraging an Aircraft/Spacecraft simulator as part of a test platform Software-in-the-loop and Hardware-in-the-loop test experienceExperience analyzing bus data and network communication protocols such as MIL-STD-1553NASA 7150.2 and/or DO-178 experience Test automation and continuous integration experience  Experience with test management tools for requirements tracking, test case tracking, test code reviews, test pipeline configuration and execution, and automated test resultsExperience planning and directing software release tests, acceptance tests, and qualification tests Knowledge of software development methodologies such as Agile/Scrum, Waterfall, and SpiralIMPORTANT NOTICE:To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. The company has technology in production and in development to enable space habitats for short- and long-duration space travel, a fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes, and the first free-flying commercial space station. Please visit www.sierraspace.com to learn more about Sierra Space, its business areas, capabilities, programs, products and services. Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and stepsFrequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterityRarely lifting or carrying up to 20 lbs.Working Conditions:Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materialsRarely exposed to loud noisesEstimated Starting Salary Range: $138,634.92 - $190,623.01. SNC considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.At Sierra Space, our mission is to dream, innovate, inspire and empower the next generation to transform humanity through technology and imagination. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. Sierra Space is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Contributions to Sierra Space come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.