The Role Leads multiple software engineering teams developing mission-critical aerospace and defense software. Responsibilities include people management, software lifecycle oversight, Agile and DevOps process implementation, CI/CD and version control governance, compliance with aerospace quality standards, budget and resource management, cybersecurity integration, process improvement, and stakeholder communication. The role requires mentoring engineers, ensuring secure and reliable delivery, and maintaining U.S. security clearance eligibility. Summary Generated by

Built In 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 Manager, Software Engineer leads and directs one or more software engineering teams responsible for the design, development, testing, and delivery of mission-critical software supporting aerospace and defense programs. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with people management, ensuring that engineering teams follow disciplined software development methodologies, comply with aerospace quality and safety standards, and deliver secure, high-quality software on schedule and within budget. The ideal candidate blends deep software engineering expertise with proven leadership experience, translating organizational strategy and functional plans into actionable engineering processes while mentoring and holding teams accountable to technical and professional excellence. The Manager, Software Engineer provides direct supervision and mentorship to software engineers across one or more teams, setting performance expectations, conducting reviews, and fostering a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. This individual translates software engineering functional plans into concrete operational plans, defining and tailoring development, testing, and deployment procedures using Agile, Scrum, Kanban, or DevOps methodologies appropriate to aerospace software projects. They oversee the software development lifecycle end-to-end, including version control practices and CI/CD pipeline management, to ensure efficient, repeatable, and secure software delivery. The manager ensures that all engineering activities align with applicable aerospace software development standards (e.g., DO-178B/C, NASA-STD-7150.2, NASA-STD-8739, RTCA/DO-278, Aerospace Corporation ToR guidance) and organizational quality frameworks (AS9100, ISO, CMMI), while also embedding relevant cybersecurity frameworks and compliance requirements into team practices. Responsibilities include managing software development budgets, resource allocation, and tooling investments to maximize team efficiency and return on investment. The role requires driving process improvements that enhance code quality, performance, and maintainability without compromising mission-critical reliability, and leading teams through organizational changes, including adoption of new methodologies, tools, and workflows. The manager serves as a communication bridge between engineering teams and both technical and non-technical stakeholders, clearly articulating technical concepts, project status, risks, and trade-offs to support informed decision-making. Above all, this individual upholds and models company values, holding their teams to high professional and ethical standards while fostering collaboration, innovation, and disciplined engineering practices. 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:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field required (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree). Several years of relevant software engineering experience, with a significant portion served in a technical and/or leadership capacity. Comprehensive knowledge of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Kanban, DevOps) and demonstrated ability to implement and tailor these processes for aerospace software projects. Experience with software development lifecycle management, version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines to enable efficient and secure software delivery. Working knowledge of aerospace software development standards (e.g., DO-178B/C, NASA-STD-7150.2, NASA-STD-8739, RTCA/DO-278, The Aerospace Corporation's ToR-2011/2023) and quality standards (AS9100, ISO, CMMI). Demonstrated ability to translate software engineering functional plans into operational plans, including defining procedures for development, testing, and deployment. Experience managing the activities of multiple software engineering teams and providing direct supervision to software engineers. Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Demonstrated commitment to upholding company values and holding software engineering teams accountable to professional standards. The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and compliance requirements relevant to aerospace and defense software applications. Skill in developing processes that optimize code quality, performance, and maintainability while meeting mission-critical requirements. Financial acumen with the ability to manage software development budgets, resource allocations, and tool investments. Experience supporting organizational change within software teams, including the implementation of new methodologies and tools. Proficiency in Python and React Experience with Python FastAPI Experience with Agile or Scrum/Kanban methodologies and tools (JIRA, Confluence). Excellent communication and teamwork skills, and efficient with collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) and development ceremonies (daily standup, backlog grooming, work planning, task estimation, retrospectives, etc.). Experience with cloud platforms (AWS) and cloud-native development. Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes). Knowledge of database management systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)

Compensation :

Pay Range:

$167,209.00 - $229,911.25 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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status 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. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. 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. We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more. 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.

Please note:

Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. 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. Read Full Description Skills Required Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience Several years of relevant software engineering experience, including significant technical or leadership experience Comprehensive knowledge of Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and DevOps methodologies Experience implementing and tailoring software development processes for aerospace software projects Experience with software development lifecycle management, version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines Working knowledge of aerospace software development standards including DO-178B/C, NASA-STD-7150.2, NASA-STD-8739, and

RTCA/DO-278

Knowledge of quality standards including AS9100, ISO, and CMMI Ability to translate software engineering functional plans into operational development, testing, and deployment procedures Experience managing multiple software engineering teams and directly supervising software engineers Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and compliance requirements for aerospace and defense software Experience optimizing code quality, performance, and maintainability for mission-critical systems Experience managing software development budgets, resources, and tooling investments Experience supporting organizational change and implementing new methodologies and tools Proficiency in Python and React Experience with Python FastAPI Experience with JIRA and Confluence Experience with GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket Experience with AWS and cloud-native development Familiarity with Docker and Kubernetes Knowledge of MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB What the Team is Saying Dylan Talent Acquisition Partner, Transportation "My time at Sierra Space has been amazing. It is a fast paced exciting environment where brilliant minds are converging on projects that can truly change human existence for the better." Dylan Talent Acquisition Partner, Transportation "My time at Sierra Space has been amazing. It is a fast paced exciting environment where brilliant minds are converging on projects that can truly change human existence for the better." Sarah Talent Acquisition Partner "I never planned to find a company so early on into my career path that was a lifelong career kind of position. However, I found that here at Sierra Space! I am a valued member of a team that invests in their employees." Chris DCCS Structures Engineer "Through my career, my management has continually ensured that I am working on projects that I found interesting, challenging, and enjoyable. My management has my best interests in mind and they want me to be successful. Additionally, my managers have repeatedly fought for my promotion and empowerment to greater responsibility." Jack Sr Systems Engineer "Sierra Space values its employees and offers growth opportunities. The collaborative work environment is stimulating and rewarding. I am proud to be a part of this company and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a career in the space industry." Sierra Space Compensation & Benefits Highlights Retirement Support — The 401(k) program includes employer matching with a vesting schedule and is repeatedly highlighted as a standout element. Feedback suggests this structure meaningfully supports long‑term savings. Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical options (PPO and HDHP) with dental, vision, and HSA/FSA are consistently listed, alongside life and disability coverage. Feedback suggests healthcare offerings are solid and broadly well‑regarded. Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is present and commonly described as favorable among core benefits. Feedback suggests new parents can access meaningful time away to care for family needs. Learn more about Sierra Space's Compensation & Benefits → Sierra Space Insights What's It Like to Work at Sierra Space? Sierra Space Culture & Values Sierra Space Career Growth & Development What's the Work-Life Balance Like at Sierra Space? Sierra Space Leadership & Management Sierra Space Company Growth, Stability & Outlook View all jobs at Sierra Space View Sierra Space Profile Report Job