Software Test Engineer III (Contractor)

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 Software Test Engineer III is responsible for leading testing processes, designing comprehensive test plans, developing testing strategies, and architecting testing frameworks for large and complex aerospace software projects. You will participate in the development and execution of comprehensive test plans, test cases, and test procedures to verify the functionality, performance, and reliability of aerospace software systems used in space vehicles and other aerospace applications. In this role you will also be responsible for coordinating testing activities, ensuring thorough coverage of all requirements, and performing defect triage. Your role will involve significant interaction with cross-functional teams, including software development, systems engineering, and quality assurance to ensure compliance with technical specifications and adherence to software quality standards. You will also mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence while contributing to the success of complex space missions.

In this role, you will assist in leading the development and execution of comprehensive test plans, test cases, and test procedures to ensure the functionality, performance, and reliability of software systems. You will lead the development and review of automated test scripts to be leveraged in a Continuous Integration environment, collaborating with software developers and other engineers to understand software requirements and design effective test strategies. You will prioritize and plan testing activities in a fast-paced environment, oversee the defect lifecycle from discovery to resolution by working with developers to reproduce issues and verify fixes, and support the definition of software test risks and opportunities while considering cost and schedule impacts. Additionally, you will review and analyze software design descriptions, ICDs, and requirements in coordination with software development teams, lead and contribute to the continuous improvement of testing processes and methodologies, and implement automated testing tools and frameworks to optimize testing and verification processes. Reporting bugs and errors to development teams and providing insightful feedback to assist in decision-making will be key, as will performing regression testing to ensure new software updates do not negatively impact existing functionality or performance. You will utilize automated testing tools and frameworks to enhance testing efficiency and coverage, maintain and update test documentation such as test plans, test cases, and test reports, and participate in code reviews to provide feedback on software quality and testability. Staying current with industry best practices and emerging technologies in software testing will be an essential part of your role, along with mentoring and guiding junior test engineers by providing technical support and knowledge sharing. Finally, you will design and architect complex software test systems to meet project requirements.

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 or master's +3 yrs experience).

• Typically, 5+ years of related experience in software testing or software development.

• Expertise in multiple programming languages and advanced understanding of software development principles.

• Ability to design and architect complex software systems.

• Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Ability to mentor and guide other engineers.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Linux-based software development environments.

• Experience with spacecraft flight software or ground command and control software.

• Experience with automated testing tools and frameworks.

• Knowledge of software testing methodologies and best practices.

• Familiarity with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes.

• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies.

• Ability to rapidly work with minimal supervision on projects involving both small and large engineering teams.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Experience with testing software systems used in aerospace or other highly regulated industries.

• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Shell.

• Familiarity with common object-oriented software design patterns.

• Knowledge of security testing practices and tools.

• Familiarity with cloud-based testing environments and tools.

• Experience with test management tools such as JIRA, TestRail, or similar.

• Experience in leading and managing testing projects and teams.

• Familiarity with spacecraft simulation software, discrete time simulation or software modeling of hardware.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Practical experience utilizing software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop test methods.

• Familiarity with fault-tolerant software design and safety-critical systems.

• Desire to work with, learn from, and mentor others.

• Strong understanding of software system architectures and design patterns.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$60.87 - $83.69/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.

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.

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.

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.