The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries. SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here . Are you a Systems Software Engineer who is interested in working on one of the largest and most complex airborne systems ever built? Sierra Nevada Corporation is expanding in the Plano, TX area and building our Systems Engineering capability from the ground up as part of an ambitious program to modernize the U.S. Air Force’s critical airborne command-and-control fleet. We need you! As a Principal Systems Software Engineer with a software background, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of complex software systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that system architectures meet the highest standards for performance, scalability, and reliability. Your expertise in software engineering and systems integration will be crucial in driving innovative solutions and guiding the technical direction of projects. At SNC, you’ll work on cutting-edge defense systems, owning full system lifecycle responsibilities (requirements, modeling, simulation, test, certification, sustainment, retirement) in collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams (mechanical, structures, electrical, RF). You’ll get to lead trade studies, simplify complexity, track and manage risk, and drive system integration in a fast-paced environment — not just maintain status quo and generate PowerPoint presentations. Responsibilities: Strong communication skills with internal and external stakeholders Analyzing context of deliverable solutions against constraints and available technology Exercising independent judgment on software architecture, methods, and techniques to achieve results Lead system architecture and software design Qualifications You Must Have: Bachelor’s of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experience Higher education may substitute for relevant experience Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices Progressive experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams Advanced understanding of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles Software Systems Experience Working knowledge of Python, C . Modeling and Simulation Controls System Qualifications We Prefer: SIL Software Integration Advanced Experience with requirements management and system modelling tools, such as DOORS, Rhapsody, NoMagic, MATLAB Experience or certification in INCOSE standards Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry Experience leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of high impact trade studies and other measures Knowledge of industry standard Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) approaches and tools Thorough understanding of establishing and tracking key Technical Performance Measurements (TPM) Experience integrating with existing or legacy aircraft platforms Experience working agile methodologies with Atlassian tools At SNC we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Learn more about SNC This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs. 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 Top 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.