Head of Software Engineering

What you will be doing:

Technical Leadership

Define and drive the software engineering vision, architecture, and roadmap across all space vehicle programs

Provide hands-on technical leadership in embedded systems, BSP development (bootloaders, device drivers, RTOS bring-up), and communications software

Oversee software design and implementation for spacecraft comms subsystems including SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, CCSDS, and RF data link protocols

Own the software architecture for Command & Data Handling (C&DH) systems and mission-critical flight software

Champion software quality, reliability, and compliance with applicable standards (DO-178B/C, NASA-STD-8739.8, or equivalent)

Drive hardware/software co-design and integration with electrical, systems, and mechanical engineering teams

People & Organizational Leadership

Build, grow, and retain a high-performing software engineering organization across multiple disciplines and experience levels

Hire, mentor, and develop engineering managers and senior/staff engineers into future technical leaders

Foster a culture of engineering excellence, psychological safety, and continuous improvement

Define career development frameworks, leveling guidelines, and performance standards for the software engineering team

Partner cross-functionally with Program Management, Systems Engineering, and Operations to deliver on commitments

Strategy & Execution

Own software program execution — schedules, milestones, risk identification, and mitigation across all active programs

Represent software engineering in customer briefings, program reviews, and executive leadership meetings

Contribute to business development and proposal efforts — defining software technical approaches and resource estimates for new pursuits

Drive make/buy decisions, toolchain investments, and software development process improvements at scale

Build and maintain technology partnerships with key vendors, tool suppliers, and industry partners

What you bring to this role:

12+ years of software engineering experience, with 5+ years in engineering leadership (managing managers or leading organizations of 15+ engineers)

Deep technical foundation in embedded systems and BSP development — bootloaders, device drivers, kernel bring-up, embedded Linux and/or RTOS (VxWorks, RTEMS, FreeRTOS)

Proven experience leading software development for space, defense, or other safety-critical platforms

Strong background in communications software — protocol stacks, data link layers, or spacecraft comms subsystems

Demonstrated ability to build and scale engineering teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Track record of delivering complex, multi-million-dollar software programs on time and on budget

Excellent executive communication skills — able to present to customers, boards, and government stakeholders

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fiel

Extra bonus points for the following:

Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or above)

Experience with spacecraft C&DH (Command & Data Handling) and flight software development

Knowledge of CCSDS protocols and space data system standards

Familiarity with DO-178B/C software certification and safety-critical verification frameworks

Experience supporting DoD, NASA, or other U.S. Government space programs

Exposure to radiation-tolerant or radiation-hardened computing environments

Experience leading software capture strategy for large government proposals ($50M+)

Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant engineering or computer science discipline