Level 3 Communications, Inc

Sr. Associate, Software Engineer

Level 3 Communications, Inc$74K — $138K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree with 2 years of experience or Graduate Degree with 0-2 years of experience, or 4 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Practical knowledge of software engineering.
  • Active Secret security clearance required.
  • Experience in Linux and systems-oriented software development.
  • Proficiency in software debugging, integration, and testing within backend environments.

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, test, and maintain mission software for the Space Surveillance Telescope (SST).
  • Develop C++ and Java software for mission data processing and workflows.
  • Support track and orbit processing, including data product generation and troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve defects and sustain mission capabilities.
  • Contribute to automated testing and secure software delivery practices.

Benefits

  • Health and disability insurance.
  • 401(k) matching contributions.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Employee assistance program (EAP).
  • Education assistance.
  • Parental leave.
  • Paid time off and company-paid holidays.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Senior Associate Software Engineer, Space Surveillance Telescope

Job Code: 41001

Job Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Job Schedule: 9/80 schedule (Every Other Friday Off)

Job Description:

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.

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