Manager, Software Engineering (Sr)

Company: Sierra Space
Location: Louisville
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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 will be responsible for translating functional plans into operational objectives and driving the success of larger projects that contribute to multiple areas of the organization. This role requires a leader with managerial experience, a proven track record of managing large teams and complex projects, and the ability to interact with executive leadership. The Senior Manager will oversee multiple disciplines or departments, ensuring that operational processes align with strategic objectives and financial plans. This position demands a strong commitment to upholding company values, supporting organizational changes, and fostering a culture of excellence. They possess in-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices, as well as strong financial acumen and budget management skills. Key Responsibilities: This position serves as the leader of Flight Software development for the SDA Tranche 2 satellite constellation program, providing functional management for direct team members in the Flight Software group while overseeing schedule and planning development across the entire lifecycle. The role involves working closely with stakeholders and program management to streamline and optimize development processes, leading the team to design and implement complex mission-focused flight software that will manage the Tranche 2 mission. The leader will direct the team to develop and execute comprehensive tests at the Unit, Integrated, and Functional Test levels, ensuring software delivery across the entire Software Development Lifecycle while maintaining execution in accordance with financial plans and accountability for flight software cost accounts. As a cultural ambassador, this leader embodies our values and exemplary leadership, leads and supports change initiatives, and holds others accountable to company values. The position requires regular interaction with leadership, including at the executive level, on cross-functional and/or customer matters, demonstrating the ability to persuade in sensitive and complex situations. Additionally, the leader will spearhead recruitment efforts to build a world-class flight software team while implementing targeted development plans to enhance team capabilities. 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: Requires bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree). Several years of relevant work experience with a significant portion in a managerial or leadership role. Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects. Upholds and models company values; ability to hold others accountable to values. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Able to translate functional plans into operational plans; identifies and executes operational initiatives. In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices. Strong financial acumen and budget management skills. Experience supporting organizational changes. The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in a relevant field. Previous functional management experience. Technical leadership experience such as scrum lead, product owner, technical lead. Strong technical understanding of C++ and Object-Oriented Programming. Practical experience architecting, developing, testing, and troubleshooting flight software. Thorough understanding and experience spanning the full software development lifecycle. Practical experience utilizing CI/CD practices as well as automated build and test. Familiarity with common object-oriented software design patterns. Experience with Agile software development methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban. Desire to work with, learn from, and mentor others. Demonstrated ability to lead through change and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Strong analytical skills and experience with data-driven decision-making. Proven ability to interact effectively with executive leadership and external stakehold 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 .

Keywords: Sierra Space, Littleton , Manager, Software Engineering (Sr), IT / Software / Systems , Louisville, Colorado