📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Software Systems Engineer
Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Location: Lone Tree, Colorado
Job Type: On-site
Category: Software Engineering
Date Posted: June 11, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Define avionics system architecture, develop and integrate software systems, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and support aircraft sustainment.
Key Technologies: Embedded software, avionics systems, safety-critical software, data buses, system integration, DO-178C certification, and model-based systems engineering.
Key Stakeholders: Program management, engineering disciplines, internal and external stakeholders.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

System Architecture & Integration: Define avionics system architecture, develop, and integrate software systems onto the SAOC platform.
Data Bus Characterization: Support the Air Vehicle team in characterizing data buses and data flows across the aircraft.
Collaboration: Collaborate with program management and other engineering disciplines on technical approaches.
Communication: Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Software Expertise: Provide software insight and technical expertise to assist with avionics systems characterization.
Analysis & Documentation: Analyze the context of deliverable solutions against constraints and available technology, and develop unique tools and techniques to analyze and document existing aircraft data buses.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience:

Typically 10 or more years of relevant experience in software engineering.
Experience with architecting and developing embedded software systems.
Familiarity with safety-critical software development.
Experience integrating software with avionics data buses or serial interfaces.
Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Skills:

Experience architecting, developing, and integrating avionics software.
Experience integrating with existing or legacy aircraft platforms.
Experience developing software to DO-178C DAL-B/C certification.
Experience with MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, CAN Bus.
Experience integrating existing legacy and new avionics systems.
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using Cameo or similar.
Experience analyzing, characterizing, and decoding avionics data buses.
Experience directing and managing subcontractors on avionics systems development.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrations of embedded software development projects.
Examples of safety-critical software development and integration with avionics data buses.
Case studies showcasing collaboration with cross-functional teams and successful system integration.
Documentation of existing aircraft data buses and analysis techniques.

Technical Documentation:

Code quality, commenting, and documentation standards for embedded software.
Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration for avionics systems.
Testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques for safety-critical software.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $143,487.14 - $197,294.82 annually (based on experience, skills, and education).

Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision plans.
401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
Life insurance.
3 weeks paid time off.
Tuition reimbursement.
Additional benefits listed here.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Aerospace and defense, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), aviation, and security (IAS) business areas.
Company Size: Large, with a global presence and a significant impact on national security.
Founded: 1963, with a rich history of innovation and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry.

Team Structure:

Collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams working on various aspects of the SAOC program.
Close collaboration with program management, engineering disciplines, and external stakeholders.
Agile, collective environment for software engineers.

Development Methodology:

Agile development processes, including sprint planning, code review, testing, and quality assurance.
CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment for software systems.
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using Cameo or similar tools.

Company Website: Sierra Nevada Corporation

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation's focus on ISR, aviation, and security business areas presents unique opportunities for software systems engineers to work on cutting-edge technologies with significant national security implications.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Software Systems Engineer, responsible for defining avionics system architecture, developing and integrating software systems, and supporting aircraft sustainment.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Air Vehicle team, collaborating with program management and other engineering disciplines.

Technical Impact: Plays a pivotal role in defining avionics system architecture, developing and integrating software systems, and supporting aircraft sustainment, contributing to the success of the SAOC program.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand expertise in avionics software development, system integration, and safety-critical software development.
Leadership Growth: Develop technical leadership skills by directing and managing subcontractors on avionics systems development and mentoring junior team members.
Career Progression: Transition into more senior roles, such as Principal Software Systems Engineer or Engineering Manager, as experience and expertise grow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation's focus on innovative and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry offers ample opportunities for software systems engineers to grow both technically and professionally.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative workspace designed for multi-disciplinary teams working on various aspects of the SAOC program.

Office Location(s): Lone Tree, Colorado, with potential travel to other SNC facilities or customer sites as needed.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools.
Close proximity to other engineering disciplines and program management teams for effective communication and collaboration.
Flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance, with potential on-call responsibilities.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation's focus on collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams and agile development processes fosters a dynamic and engaging work environment for software systems engineers.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: Assess technical proficiency in embedded software development, avionics systems, and safety-critical software development. Evaluate problem-solving skills and communication abilities.
On-site Technical Interview: Deep dive into system architecture, software development, and integration processes. Assess knowledge of avionics data buses, serial interfaces, and DO-178C certification. Evaluate collaboration and communication skills.
Behavioral Interview: Assess cultural fit, teamwork, and adaptability to the dynamic and collaborative work environment at Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight embedded software development projects that demonstrate proficiency in avionics systems, safety-critical software development, and data bus integration.
Showcase collaboration with cross-functional teams and successful system integration case studies.
Emphasize analysis and documentation techniques for existing aircraft data buses and avionics systems.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on embedded software development, avionics systems, and safety-critical software development concepts.
Familiarize yourself with avionics data buses, serial interfaces, and DO-178C certification standards.
Practice problem-solving exercises and coding challenges related to avionics software development and system integration.

ATS Keywords: [List of relevant keywords for embedded software development, avionics systems, safety-critical software development, data bus integration, and system integration]

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation's focus on innovative and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry requires software systems engineers to demonstrate strong technical proficiency, adaptability, and collaboration skills throughout the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Embedded Software Development:

Programming languages: C, C++, and other embedded languages.
Development environments: Embedded IDEs, such as IAR Embedded Workbench, Keil µVision, or other platform-specific tools.
Version control: Git, Perforce, or other version control systems.

Avionics Systems:

Avionics data buses: MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, CAN Bus, and other avionics-specific data buses.
Serial interfaces: RS-485, RS-232, Ethernet, and other serial communication protocols.
Avionics software development: Real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded operating systems, and avionics-specific software frameworks.

Safety-Critical Software Development:

Safety-critical software development processes: DO-178C, DO-254, and other safety-critical software development standards.
Safety-critical software tools: Safety-critical software development tools, such as LDRA, VectorCAST, or other safety-critical software analysis tools.

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE):

MBSE tools: Cameo or other MBSE tools for system architecture, design, and simulation.
MBSE methodologies: SysML, UML, and other MBSE methodologies for system-level design and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation's focus on innovative and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry requires software systems engineers to be proficient in cutting-edge embedded software development, avionics systems, and safety-critical software development technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Emphasize continuous learning, adaptation, and disruption in the aerospace and defense industry.
Collaboration: Foster a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment for software systems engineers.
Quality: Prioritize high-quality software development, system integration, and safety-critical software development processes.
Customer Focus: Ensure software systems meet customer requirements and exceed expectations for national security missions.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate closely with program management, engineering disciplines, and external stakeholders to define avionics system architecture, develop, and integrate software systems.
Code Review Culture: Encourage peer-to-peer code reviews, technical mentoring, and knowledge sharing among software systems engineers.
Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate regular team meetings, workshops, and training sessions to share expertise and foster a culture of continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation's focus on innovative and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry cultivates a dynamic and collaborative team culture for software systems engineers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Avionics System Architecture: Define avionics system architecture that balances performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness for the SAOC platform.
Data Bus Characterization: Characterize existing aircraft data buses and develop unique tools and techniques for analysis and documentation.
Safety-Critical Software Development: Develop and integrate safety-critical software systems that meet DO-178C certification standards.
Legacy System Integration: Integrate existing legacy and new avionics systems onto the SAOC platform while maintaining compatibility and performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand expertise in embedded software development, avionics systems, safety-critical software development, and model-based systems engineering.
Leadership Development: Develop technical leadership skills by directing and managing subcontractors on avionics systems development and mentoring junior team members.
Career Progression: Transition into more senior roles, such as Principal Software Systems Engineer or Engineering Manager, as experience and expertise grow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sierra Nevada Corporation's focus on innovative and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry presents unique technical challenges and growth opportunities for software systems engineers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Avionics System Architecture: Describe your experience with defining avionics system architecture and balancing performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Data Bus Characterization: Explain your approach to characterizing existing aircraft data buses and developing unique analysis and documentation techniques.
Safety-Critical Software Development: Discuss your experience with developing and integrating safety-critical software systems that meet DO-178C certification standards.
Legacy System Integration: Share your strategies for integrating existing legacy and new avionics systems while maintaining compatibility and performance.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Describe your understanding of Sierra Nevada Corporation's culture and how it aligns with your personal values and work preferences.
Team Dynamics: Explain how you have successfully collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams in previous roles and how you would contribute to the dynamic and collaborative work environment at Sierra Nevada Corporation.
Adaptability: Discuss your ability to adapt to new technologies, processes, and team dynamics in a rapidly evolving aerospace and defense industry.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Embedded Software Development Projects: Highlight embedded software development projects that demonstrate proficiency in avionics systems, safety-critical software development, and data bus integration.
System Integration Case Studies: Showcase collaboration with cross-functional teams and successful system integration case studies.
Data Bus Characterization Analysis: Emphasize analysis and documentation techniques for existing aircraft data buses and avionics systems.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Senior Software Systems Engineer position at Sierra Nevada Corporation:

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your embedded software development, avionics systems, and safety-critical software development experience, as well as your collaboration and leadership skills.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase embedded software development projects, system integration case studies, and data bus characterization analysis that demonstrate your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills.
Research Sierra Nevada Corporation: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit for your career goals and personal preferences.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on embedded software development, avionics systems, safety-critical software development, and model-based systems engineering concepts. Practice problem-solving exercises and coding challenges related to avionics software development and system integration.

Sr Software Systems Engineer