Principal Software Engineer

Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Location: Folsom
Posted on: April 5, 2026

Job Description:

Do you enjoy developing new products and services? Join us! Our Software Engineers work in an agile, collective environment. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the development and optimization of advanced software systems for aerospace applications. You will lead major projects, mentor engineering teams, and drive innovation to achieve superior software performance. The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber. Responsibilities: Lead Software Engineer at the project Level Leadership of staff Software Engineers for project execution Responsible for software design and architecture on project Responsible for estimation of software tasks Strong communication skills for interfacing to customers Qualifications You Must Have: Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or other related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experience Knowledge of Software Engineering principles and practices Familiarity working in multi-disciplinary teams Experience with C/C++ Experience with Linux in both runtime and as a programming environment Experience with Embedded Systems Qualifications We Prefer: Experience leading teams of software engineers at a project level Experience in bare metal programming with microcontrollers Experience with embedded oriented busses such as I2C and SPI. Experience with the Xilinx/AMD SOCs Excellent customer-facing communication skills Familiarity with Agile Software Development Knowledge of networking basics including socket-based communications Experience with Containerization DevSecOps principles BASH and Python scripting Experience with Yocto Experience with virtual machines Experience using AI tools as part of development process Familiarity with databases such as Mongo Experience developing apps for mobile devices and Windows desktops Familiar with information assurance and data encryption Essential Functions: Ability to work on a computer for extended periods. Hand/finger dexterity for coding and testing. Ability to work in a hybrid environment with occasional travel. This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs. Estimated Starting Salary Range: $165,010.21 - $226,889.04. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position. SNC offers 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, tuition reimbursement, and more . IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret 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. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team! SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

Keywords: Sierra Nevada Corporation, Walnut Creek , Principal Software Engineer, IT / Software / Systems , Folsom, California