Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer / Director of Software EngineeringAshburn, Virginia | Onsite$190,000 - $230,000 + Equity + BenefitsA venture-backed aerospace company pioneering space-based power infrastructure is looking for a Director of Software Engineering to help lead the development of next-generation autonomous space systems.The company is developing wireless power beaming technology designed to deliver continuous energy from orbit, helping solve one of the biggest long-term infrastructure challenges in both space and clean energy. Following successful technical demonstrations, the business is now progressing toward its first LEO satellite mission, with long-term plans focused on scaling toward larger orbital infrastructure and GEO systems in the years ahead.This is a rare opportunity to join an early-stage company at a critical stage of growth and take ownership of the software architecture, technical direction, and engineering leadership required to support upcoming flight missions.The OpportunityThis role is ideal for a highly technical software leader who still enjoys being hands-on.You’ll work closely with leadership, software engineers, and multidisciplinary teams to help shape the software architecture behind autonomous space systems operating far from human intervention. The focus is on building reliable, fault-tolerant systems that can operate independently in demanding environments.The team is looking for someone who combines deep embedded and autonomous systems expertise with the ability to mentor engineers, improve technical processes, and help scale engineering capability as the company grows.This is not a pure management position. The successful candidate is expected to remain closely involved in architecture, technical problem solving, debugging, and software development alongside the team.What You’ll Be DoingLeading the architecture and development of embedded and flight software systemsHelping guide the software team through upcoming LEO mission milestonesReviewing existing software architecture and identifying areas for scalability and robustness improvementsSupporting the development of autonomous systems designed to operate with minimal human interventionWorking closely with hardware, systems, and mission teams across integration and testing activitiesMentoring and developing a small but highly capable engineering teamDriving software engineering best practices, testing strategy, and development processesRemaining hands-on with software development, debugging, and technical reviewsWhat They’re Looking ForStrong experience leading embedded or flight software development teamsDeep experience with C/C++ developmentExperience with RTOS and/or embedded Linux systemsStrong systems-level understanding of autonomous or mission-critical systemsExperience designing software for systems operating in remote, high-reliability, or safety-critical environmentsSatellite or spacecraft software experience strongly preferredCandidates from UAV or autonomous systems backgrounds with long-range or out-of-contact operational experience will also be consideredAbility to balance hands-on technical contribution with team leadership and mentorshipExperience working within fast-paced startup or high-growth engineering environmentsStrong communication and cross-functional collaboration skillsNice to HaveROS 2 or micro-ROS experienceExperience with Linux, FreeRTOS, and distributed embedded systemsExperience supporting OTA updates or long-range autonomous operationsFamiliarity with hardware/software integration and embedded communicationsPrevious experience scaling engineering teams or technical processes within a startup environmentBackground within aerospace, defense autonomy, or advanced autonomous systemsCulture & EnvironmentThis is a startup environment and the team is looking for someone comfortable operating with pace, ownership, and ambiguity.The successful candidate will be highly collaborative, adaptable, and mission-driven, with a genuine interest in helping build technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomous space systems.The culture is deeply engineering-focused, hands-on, and low-ego. The company values people who are willing to solve problems directly, work closely across disciplines, and help build scalable systems from the ground up.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary plus equityRelocation support available20 days PTO plus federal holidaysMedical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with company matchingHealth & wellness stipendLife and disability insuranceAdditional InformationPrimarily onsite in Ashburn, VAFlexible core-hours culture with occasional remote flexibility when neededUS Citizens or Green Card holders are eligible to apply due to export control regulationsSecurity clearance eligibility beneficial but not requiredIf you’re interested in leading the development of cutting-edge autonomous space systems within a high-growth aerospace startup environment, apply now or reach out to Ciara Holmes at EVONA for a confidential discussion.