Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado
Principal Software Engineer jobs in Colorado concentrate in aerospace and defense, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software, with the state ranking among the most active markets in the country for senior technical leadership. Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs anchor the largest share of openings, where employers like Lockheed Martin, Oracle, and Palantir maintain significant engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties are distributed systems architecture, platform engineering, and machine learning infrastructure. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 55+ Principal Software Engineer jobs
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. Principal Software Engineer role involves designing, developing, and testing software applications for space systems and technologies. This advanced position requires extensive expertise in multiple programming languages, an advanced understanding of software development principles, and the ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems. The role includes writing clean, maintainable code, collaborating with team members to understand project requirements, and contributing to the development of innovative software solutions. Additionally, this position involves leading a team of engineers, making high-level design decisions, and driving the strategic direction of the software engineering team. The role also requires project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders.In this role, you will design, develop, and test software applications for space systems and technologies while writing clean, maintainable code that adheres to best practices and coding standards. You will architect and implement complex software systems to meet project requirements and collaborate with team members to understand project needs, contributing to the development of effective software solutions. Utilizing version control systems such as Git, you will manage code changes and work collaboratively with team members. You will participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and adherence to development standards, troubleshoot and resolve software-related issues in a timely manner, and document software configurations, processes, and procedures for future reference. Staying current with industry trends and advancements in software development and space technologies will be essential. Additionally, you will lead a team of engineers, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and support to foster collaboration and growth within the team. You will make high-level design decisions that significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance, drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team, and demonstrate project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders. Furthermore, you will architect and oversee the technical aspects of large-scale projects, innovate, and make strategic decisions regarding the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
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 +13 yrs experience).
Typically, 15+ years of related experience.
Extensive expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
Ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.
Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers.
Ability to make high-level design decisions.
Ability to drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team.
Demonstrated project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to architect and oversee the technical aspects of large-scale projects, innovate, and make decisions on the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.
The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Extensive experience with kernel-level programming and system optimization.
Mastery in programming languages (Python, C++) and their ecosystems.
Expertise in scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell, Perl) and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Terraform).
Proven experience with Agile or Scrum methodologies and tools (JIRA, Confluence, Jenkins).
Exceptional analytical skills, performance profiling, memory management, and debugging.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with proficiency in collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket).
Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale software projects from inception to completion.
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
Advanced knowledge of database management systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and cloud-native development.
Proficiency with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
In-depth understanding of network protocols, security principles, and secure coding practices.
Ability to write and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.
Extensive experience with CI/CD pipelines and advanced automated testing frameworks.
Proven track record of mentoring and guiding junior engineers, providing technical leadership.
Experience with continuous integration and automated test.
Knowledge of and experience implementing Software Design Patterns.
Familiarity with SysML/UML to create software designs.
Experience utilizing and setting up static analysis tools.
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.
About Us
About Sierra Space
Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth.
Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.
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. Principal Software Engineer role involves designing, developing, and testing software applications for space systems and technologies. This advanced position requires extensive expertise in multiple programming languages, an advanced understanding of software development principles, and the ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems. The role includes writing clean, maintainable code, collaborating with team members to understand project requirements, and contributing to the development of innovative software solutions. Additionally, this position involves leading a team of engineers, making high-level design decisions, and driving the strategic direction of the software engineering team. The role also requires project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders.In this role, you will design, develop, and test software applications for space systems and technologies while writing clean, maintainable code that adheres to best practices and coding standards. You will architect and implement complex software systems to meet project requirements and collaborate with team members to understand project needs, contributing to the development of effective software solutions. Utilizing version control systems such as Git, you will manage code changes and work collaboratively with team members. You will participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and adherence to development standards, troubleshoot and resolve software-related issues in a timely manner, and document software configurations, processes, and procedures for future reference. Staying current with industry trends and advancements in software development and space technologies will be essential. Additionally, you will lead a team of engineers, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and support to foster collaboration and growth within the team. You will make high-level design decisions that significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance, drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team, and demonstrate project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders. Furthermore, you will architect and oversee the technical aspects of large-scale projects, innovate, and make strategic decisions regarding the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
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 +13 yrs experience).
Typically, 15+ years of related experience.
Extensive expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
Ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.
Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers.
Ability to make high-level design decisions.
Ability to drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team.
Demonstrated project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to architect and oversee the technical aspects of large-scale projects, innovate, and make decisions on the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum/Kanban.
The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Extensive experience with kernel-level programming and system optimization.
Mastery in programming languages (Python, C++) and their ecosystems.
Expertise in scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell, Perl) and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Terraform).
Proven experience with Agile or Scrum methodologies and tools (JIRA, Confluence, Jenkins).
Exceptional analytical skills, performance profiling, memory management, and debugging.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with proficiency in collaborative tools (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket).
Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale software projects from inception to completion.
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
Advanced knowledge of database management systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and cloud-native development.
Proficiency with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
In-depth understanding of network protocols, security principles, and secure coding practices.
Ability to write and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.
Extensive experience with CI/CD pipelines and advanced automated testing frameworks.
Proven track record of mentoring and guiding junior engineers, providing technical leadership.
Experience with continuous integration and automated test.
Knowledge of and experience implementing Software Design Patterns.
Familiarity with SysML/UML to create software designs.
Experience utilizing and setting up static analysis tools.
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.
About Us
About Sierra Space
Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth.
Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.
See All 55 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Software Engineer Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman13
- BAE Systems USA6
- Raytheon5
- Auria3
- Palo Alto Networks3
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software10
- Science & Research1
- Agriculture & Farming1
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal software engineer jobs across Colorado.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field
- Ten or more years of professional software engineering experience, with at least three in a principal or staff-level role
- Demonstrated ability to define technical roadmaps and drive architecture decisions across multiple engineering teams
- Deep expertise in at least one major cloud platform such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Experience leading cross-functional technical initiatives and mentoring senior engineers toward organizational goals
- Strong proficiency in system design, distributed systems, and performance optimization at production scale
Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal software engineer in Colorado?
Reaching principal-level in Colorado typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, followed by years of progressive engineering experience culminating in demonstrated technical leadership. Colorado has no state-issued license or exam for software engineers, so advancement is driven by an internal promotion track or direct hiring. Colorado employers weight architecture ownership, staff mentorship history, and cross-team impact heavily when evaluating principal-level candidates.
How much do principal software engineers make in Colorado?
Principal software engineers in Colorado earn a median of about $138,390 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $96,480 for the lowest 10% to over $213,010 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire principal software engineers in Colorado?
Employers hiring principal software engineers in Colorado right now include Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems USA, and Raytheon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Colorado's concentration of aerospace primes, cloud infrastructure firms, and government technology contractors creates steady demand for principal engineers who can operate across regulated and commercial environments.
Which Colorado cities have the most principal software engineer jobs?
Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Boulder account for the most principal software engineer openings in Colorado. Denver drives volume through its dense cluster of tech headquarters, financial services firms, and health technology companies, while Boulder attracts early-stage and high-growth software companies, and Colorado Springs benefits from the large defense and government contracting presence anchored by nearby military installations.
Are there remote principal software engineer jobs in Colorado?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 41% of principal software engineer openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how naturally the role suits distributed work. The parts of the job most likely to stay fully remote are architecture review, roadmap planning, and cross-team technical alignment, while roles with classified government or defense components almost always require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a principal software engineer in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is building toward principal through a senior engineer role first, since Colorado employers rarely hire into principal titles without demonstrated leadership experience. Colorado's aerospace and defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, run structured associate and rotational engineering programs that develop talent from new-grad level upward. Lateral moves from tech lead or staff engineer roles are the most common door into principal, and an open-source portfolio or evidence of system design ownership gives candidates a strong edge.
Where can I find and apply to principal software engineer jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to principal software engineer jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings across industries and experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 55 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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