Head of Software
About AdAstraAdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. This is a direct hire, permanent placement position for a client based in Torrance, CA.About the Company:Our client is a rapidly scaling, venture-backed space infrastructure company building the foundational layer that connects space-based assets to Earth. Their platform enables real-time data transfer, communications, and mission-critical operations across government and commercial customers.With significant recent funding and strong market traction, the company is entering a phase of rapid global expansion, scaling its infrastructure footprint from a handful of sites to a globally distributed network. This creates complex challenges across distributed systems, reliability, and automation at scale.The team is composed primarily of engineers from strong software and infrastructure backgrounds, with a focus on building highly reliable, production-grade systems in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment.This is a direct hire, permanent placement position for a client of AdAstra Talent Advisors. This position is based in Torrance, CA. More company details will be shared during an initial call.About the RoleAs Head of Software, you will own and execute the company’s end-to-end software strategy powering a global ground network. This includes systems that orchestrate hardware assets, manage data flow across distributed infrastructure, and deliver mission-critical data to customers.You will be responsible for building and scaling the software layer that ensures reliability, observability, and performance as the company rapidly expands from a small number of sites to a globally distributed footprint.This role sits at the intersection of infrastructure, backend systems, and customer-facing platforms, requiring a strong technical generalist who can operate across layers and drive cohesive system design.This is a player-coach role: you will set technical direction, lead and grow the team, and remain hands-on in architecture, debugging, and critical system development to ensure systems are delivered reliably and at pace.ResponsibilitiesOwn the architecture and technical direction of the core software stack, including backend systems, cloud infrastructure, networking, and customer-facing platformsBuild and scale systems that orchestrate and manage globally distributed hardware assets, ensuring uptime and reliabilityDevelop and optimize data pipelines and networking systems that route data from ground infrastructure to customers in real timeDrive reliability, observability, and operational excellence across all systems, including monitoring, telemetry, and automated recoveryDesign and implement cloud and edge compute infrastructure, including distributed processing at global sitesPartner closely with hardware and operations teams to ensure seamless integration between physical systems and softwareLead, mentor, and grow a high-performing engineering team across backend, infrastructure, and web domainsEstablish and scale engineering best practices across CI/CD, deployment, and system operationsStay hands-on in system design, debugging, and critical path executionQualifications 7–12+ years of software engineering experience with ownership of production, distributed systems at scaleProven experience leading and managing engineering teams (ideally 5–10+ engineers), including mentorship and team developmentStrong background in backend systems and cloud infrastructure, with experience in distributed systems and/or networkingExperience architecting and operating highly reliable, production-grade systems with a focus on uptime, performance, and observabilityProficiency in C/C++ and/or Rust, or experience working on performance-critical systemsAbility to operate as a technical generalist across infrastructure, backend, and system design, rather than a narrow specialistTrack record of owning complex systems end-to-end, from initial build through scaling in productionHands-on leadership approach with willingness to engage directly in system design, debugging, and critical problem-solvingPreferred ExperienceExperience in high-growth or startup environments, particularly during rapid scaling phasesExperience building or operating globally distributed systems and real-time data pipelinesFamiliarity with edge computing or hybrid cloud architecturesExperience building customer-facing platforms, APIs, or data productsBackground from high-performing software or infrastructure companies (e.g., SaaS, fintech, cloud, or platform companies)The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.Logistical Requirements This position is primarily on-site in Torrance, CA (~4 days/week expected)Citizenship and Security Clearance RequirementApplicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.Cash compensation of $200,000 – $270,000 per year, plus equity and performance-based incentives. Compensation is determined based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay may vary depending on job-related skills, experience, and technical expertise. In addition to base salary, the company offers equity, performance-based incentives, comprehensive health benefits, flexible time off, and retirement savings options.Benefit Highlights Meaningful equity in a well-funded, high-growth startupFlexible time off (unlimited PTO) and 10 paid holidays12 weeks paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parentsComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% paid plans available)401(k) retirement savings planHSA and FSA options for healthcare spendingEqual OpportunityOur client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.About AdAstraAdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before.We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future.Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!CEO, Seyka Mejeur | LinkedIn profileCTO / COO, Brian Mejeur | LinkedIn profileAdAstra Talent Advisors | LinkedIn profileAdAstra Website