Head of Flight Software

Head Of Flight Software - Lead Software Development For Next-Generation Spacecraft SystemsLos Angeles, CA | On-siteJoin an early-stage space company developing advanced spacecraft and in-space mobility systems designed for complex orbital and national security missions. This role will lead the flight software function across vehicle development, owning the architecture, execution, integration, and long-term direction of embedded and real-time software systems supporting spacecraft operations. Working closely with the founding team and cross-functional engineering leadership, you will oversee the development of core flight software infrastructure spanning avionics integration, mission management, telemetry, communications, health monitoring, and fault management. This is a highly hands-on leadership role for someone capable of driving technical direction while remaining deeply involved in implementation, testing, and system-level integration.We are a venture-backed aerospace startup focused on building advanced spacecraft platforms and propulsion technologies for demanding commercial and defense applications. The company is led by engineers and operators with deep experience across launch, spacecraft, and advanced hardware development. The team operates with a strong emphasis on speed, technical ownership, and iterative hardware execution.Job DutiesLead architecture, development, and execution of the company's flight software systems across current and future vehicle programsOwn the full flight software lifecycle including design, implementation, testing, validation, deployment, and operational supportDevelop real-time embedded software supporting mission management, command and telemetry, health monitoring, fault handling, and vehicle operationsDrive software integration efforts across avionics, RF systems, propulsion interfaces, sensors, and onboard computing hardwareLead development of software frameworks, state machines, communication layers, and operational logic for flight systemsOversee hardware-in-the-loop testing, system bring-up, debugging, and vehicle integration activitiesImplement and optimize networking and communication protocols including Ethernet, UDP, multicast, and related interfacesCollaborate closely with hardware, avionics, GNC, and systems engineering teams to support full vehicle development and mission readinessEstablish software development processes, testing standards, documentation practices, and configuration management workflowsSupport technical planning, roadmap development, and scaling of the flight software organization over timeMentor and help grow future software engineering team members as the company expandsQualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field5+ years of professional software development experience, with significant ownership of embedded or real-time systemsDemonstrated experience leading development of complex software projects from architecture through deploymentStrong programming experience with C/C++ and PythonExperience developing embedded software for aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, or other safety-critical applicationsStrong understanding of real-time operating environments, memory management, scheduling, and low-level system interactionsExperience working directly with avionics hardware, microcontrollers, and integrated vehicle systemsAbility to lead technical decision-making across software architecture and system integration effortsExperience debugging complex embedded systems and driving root cause analysis activitiesStrong communication skills with the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environmentsPreferred ExperiencePrior experience leading or managing flight software or embedded systems teamsSpacecraft, launch vehicle, autonomous systems, or defense hardware experienceFamiliarity with GNC software integration and mission operations conceptsExperience with Rust, Grafana, or related toolingExperience supporting software qualification, certification, or compliance effortsHardware-in-the-loop testing and integrated vehicle validation experienceStartup experience with rapid hardware and software iteration cyclesExperience scaling software infrastructure and engineering processes within growing technical organizationsWhy Join UsOpportunity to lead a critical engineering function at an early-stage aerospace companyDirect ownership over spacecraft flight software architecture and executionHighly collaborative environment with experienced aerospace founders and technical leadershipAbility to shape technical direction, team structure, and long-term software strategyExposure to full vehicle development, testing, and mission operationsEquity participation and significant long-term growth opportunity$180,000 - $230,000