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Sr. Associate, Software Engineer

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Full Time On-site

The Senior Associate Software Engineer, Space Surveillance Telescope, is a hands-on individual contributor supporting mission software development for a space-surveillance program. SST supports tracking resident space objects and broader Space Domain Awareness mission needs. Using practical experience in backend and systems-oriented software development, the role designs, implements, tests, and integrates software that supports mission data processing, orbit and track-related workflows, and operational mission functions. The position emphasizes C++ and Java development in Linux and other backend environments, with close collaboration across systems engineering, integration and test, cybersecurity, and operations.

Essential Functions

  • Design, implement, test, debug, integrate, and maintain mission software and supporting backend services for SST.
  • Develop software in C++ and Java for mission data ingest, processing, messaging, and orbit or track-related workflows.
  • Support track and orbit processing activities, including propagation, data-product generation, troubleshooting, and performance analysis in lab environments.
  • Collaborate across systems engineering, integration and test, cybersecurity, and operations to close interfaces, resolve defects, and sustain mission capability.
  • Contribute to automated test, CI/CD, secure software delivery, configuration management, and disciplined release practices for mission software.

Qualifications

  • Requires practical knowledge of software engineering within the assigned job area.
  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience, or Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related experience, or in lieu of a degree, minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
  • Active Secret security clearance required.
  • Experience with software development, debugging, integration, and test in Linux, backend, or systems-oriented environments.

Preferred Additional Skills

  • Proficiency in C++ and Java for backend, mission-processing, or other systems-oriented software.
  • Familiarity with Space Domain Awareness mission workflows, mission data products, or resident-space-object tracking concepts.
  • Experience with orbital mechanics fundamentals, track propagation, or SGP4-based workflows.
  • Experience with Linux-based backend or distributed-system software development.
  • Exposure to CI/CD, DevSecOps, automated build and test pipelines, or secure software delivery practices.
  • Experience with software integration, formal test, troubleshooting, and defect resolution in mission or sensor-system environments.
  • Experience with data-processing pipelines, messaging interfaces, or mission-data handling workflows.
  • Experience tuning or troubleshooting performance, throughput, latency, or resource usage in operational software.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state is $74,500-$138,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

The application window for this position will close on 8/15/2026.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

About L3 Harris

L3 Harris

L3 Harris is one of the largest defense and aerospace companies in the United States, delivering advanced technologies that support missions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company develops communications systems, space payloads, intelligence platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, missile defense technologies, and mission-critical sensors used by the U.S. military, intelligence community, and allied nations around the world.

For job seekers, L3Harris offers opportunities across engineering, software development, cybersecurity, space systems, manufacturing, intelligence, program management, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on advanced technologies that directly support national security. With programs spanning tactical communications, ISR platforms, satellite systems, and defense electronics, employees have the opportunity to contribute to some of the military’s most important capabilities.

Unlike companies focused on a single mission area, L3Harris operates across a diverse portfolio of defense technologies, providing employees exposure to a broad range of programs and technical disciplines. Teams work on everything from secure communications and autonomous systems to space-based sensors and electronic warfare platforms, creating opportunities for both specialization and long-term career growth within the organization.

As governments continue investing in modernization, space capabilities, resilient communications, and advanced sensing technologies, L3Harris remains one of the most important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking a mission-driven career with strong growth opportunities, technical challenges, and direct impact on global security, L3Harris continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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