Principal Software Test Engineer (Contractor) Verified today

About Sierra Space

Sierra Space builds satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems that safeguard national security and advance space exploration. We deliver mission-proven technologies to customers worldwide.

The Role

You will serve as a recognized expert in software testing, providing strategic direction and technical leadership over large and complex software testing campaigns. Your responsibilities include:

• Design, develop, and execute comprehensive software test plans, test cases, and test procedures for complex aerospace software systems
• Architect and oversee large-scale test campaigns, leading innovation in software test technologies and methodologies
• Lead definition of software test risks and opportunities while managing cost and schedule impacts
• Guide teams of software test engineers, providing mentorship and ensuring high-quality deliverables
• Review and contribute to software design descriptions, ICDs, and requirements in coordination with software development teams
• Oversee software test trade studies and direct formal verification and qualification tests
• Manage test result analysis, generate test reports, and direct issue lifecycle from discovery to resolution
• Coordinate test roles and responsibilities across multiple simultaneous test campaigns
• Architect and design automated testing tools and frameworks to optimize testing processes
• Direct development, peer review, and management of test plans, test harnesses, test cases, test scripts, test procedures, and test reports
• Lead regression testing efforts and orchestrate initiatives to improve automated testing tools
• Provide leadership in code reviews and offer feedback on software quality and testability
• Mentor junior and mid-level test engineers and conduct root cause analysis on defects
• Make high-level software test design decisions that impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance
• Drive strategic direction of the software testing team to align with organizational goals
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical senior-level stakeholders
• Establish company best practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree; master's degree plus 10+ years experience acceptable)
• 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 strategic direction of the software engineering team
• Demonstrated project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders
• Experience with software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• Proficiency in multiple software development environments such as Linux, Windows, containerized environments
• Experience with spacecraft flight software, ground command and control software, or aerospace application software
• Experience architecting and maintaining automated testing tools and frameworks
• Extensive experience employing software testing methodologies and best practices
• Practical experience with 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 ability to work in fast-paced, collaborative environments across multiple engineering disciplines
• Experience testing software systems 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 with cloud-based testing environments and tools
• Experience with test management tools such as JIRA, TestRail, or similar
• Experience 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 to convey complex technical concepts to all organizational levels
• Practical experience with 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

Compensation

Pay Range: $86.60 - $119.08/hr

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness.

Security Clearance Requirement

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.