Sr Director, Software Engineering

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 Sr Director of Software Engineering role involves leading multiple components of a software engineering division or a key enterprise focus area for space systems and technologies. This leadership position requires extensive technical expertise combined with exceptional strategic vision and leadership skills to guide the organization in achieving its objectives. The role includes establishing strategic and tactical plans based on business strategy, making critical decisions that impact function/area performance, and leading through subordinate managers. 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. Key Responsibilities: Lead one or more components of a software engineering division, program, or function at a group level or a key enterprise focus area. Establish strategic and tactical plans for software engineering functions/areas based on business strategy. Make strategic decisions that are critical to function/area performance with potential short-term impact. Provide direction and leadership through subordinate managers who have overall responsibility for the successful operation of assigned areas. Drive innovation and adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance software development capabilities across the enterprise. Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including executive leadership and external partners. Ensure alignment of software engineering activities with business goals and objectives across multiple areas. Accountable for meeting financial plans, goals, and schedules with a consistent focus on value creation. Lead major organizational change initiatives and foster a culture of excellence and innovation. Uphold and model company values; hold others accountable to values. Interact with internal and external executive level management. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree). Typically 18 years of software engineering experience with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles. Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects at an enterprise level. Strong technical background in software development and engineering principles. In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices in software engineering. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to build strategy; identify and implement the steps needed to execute strategy over a business area/function. Strong financial acumen and budget management skills. Experience leading and supporting organizational changes. Willing and able to obtain Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. Preferred Qualifications: A current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field. Experience leading software development for space systems or other mission-critical applications at an enterprise level. Demonstrated ability to drive strategic initiatives that deliver significant business value across multiple areas. Experience managing budgets and resources for enterprise-scale software engineering organizations. Strong executive presence and ability to influence across organizational boundaries. Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or other significant organizational transformations. Track record of driving innovation and continuous improvement in software engineering practices across the enterprise. Experience with global or distributed software development teams. Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in software engineering with the ability to translate them into strategic advantages. Experience with executive-level stakeholder management and communication. Compensation : Pay Range: $239,133.00 - $328,807.50 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 current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility 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, Southglenn , Sr Director, Software Engineering, IT / Software / Systems , Louisville, Colorado