Senior Software Engineer (Space Sector)

Senior Software Engineer (Space Sector)Location: El Segundo, CAWorking Arrangement: Full-time, onsiteContract: Contract positionSector: Space / Aerospace & DefenceStart: Urgent hireClearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearanceWe are urgently seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer for a contract opportunity within the space sector, based in El Segundo, California.This is a full-time, onsite position supporting the design, integration, and delivery of secure software systems for mission-critical space applications. The role sits at the intersection of software engineering, systems engineering, and cybersecurity, working across technical teams and stakeholders to define architectures, establish interfaces, decompose requirements, and oversee system integration.The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both the technical and stakeholder level, translating complex software, systems, and security requirements into clear recommendations and practical solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and evolve software architectures across complex, integrated space systems.Decompose high-level requirements into clear software and system requirements.Develop architecture definitions, interface specifications, and integration strategies.Lead and coordinate software integration activities across multiple engineering teams.Define verification strategies and provide oversight of software verification and integration.Design and assess secure APIs, data interfaces, service-oriented architectures, and microservices.Embed security requirements and secure-by-design principles throughout the software development lifecycle.Work closely with software, systems engineering, and cybersecurity teams to drive technical alignment.Support cybersecurity and compliance activities, including documentation and technical artefacts required for system authorisation.Evaluate technical risks, trade-offs, and implementation options and present recommendations to senior and non-technical stakeholders.Collaborate with government stakeholders, prime contractors, and technical partners.Manage competing priorities within a regulated and mission-critical space environment.Produce clear technical documentation and briefings.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.5+ years of experience in software systems engineering, software integration, or a closely related field.Demonstrated experience with requirements decomposition, software architecture definition, interface specifications, verification strategy, and software integration.Strong understanding of secure software development lifecycles and secure-by-design principles.Experience with service-oriented architectures, microservices, secure APIs, and data interfaces.Familiarity with cybersecurity processes within government/defence environments, including RMF concepts and technical artefacts supporting system authorisation.Ability to work effectively across software, systems engineering, and cybersecurity teams.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical recommendations, risks, and options to non-developer stakeholders.Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in regulated, mission-driven environments.Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.Desired ExperienceActive Secret or higher security clearance.Experience deploying or operating software within space systems, defence/government networks, classified environments, or mission systems.Familiarity with DevSecOps frameworks used within government, defence, or aerospace programmes.Knowledge of STIG hardening, security controls, and vulnerability management.Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and containerised deployment, particularly within disconnected, air-gapped, or restricted environments.Experience with AWS GovCloud and/or Azure Government.Familiarity with Jira and Confluence.Experience implementing Agile methodologies within government, defence, aerospace, or other regulated environments.Background in systems integration, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), or system-of-systems engineering.Interested?This is an urgent contract opportunity within the space sector for a Software Architect who can make an immediate impact in a technically complex and security-focused environment.If you have strong software architecture and systems integration experience and are available for a full-time onsite position in El Segundo, we would be keen to hear from you.Email: angela.olmo@newspacetechnical.com