Lead Software Engineer

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Lead Software Engineer (Ground Software) – Onsite | Irvine, CA

Are you passionate about leading the development of mission-critical ground software systems that power space missions?

A leading space technology company seeks a Lead Software Engineer to drive the technical vision and execution of advanced ground systems supporting satellite operations and interplanetary missions.

Due to the sensitivity of the work, this position requires on-site presence five days a week and will require you to undergo a TS/SCI Clearance.

As a Lead Ground Software Engineer, you will:

• Architect, design, and lead development of robust ground software systems for satellite command, telemetry, and mission operations.
• Define technical roadmaps and lead cross-functional teams across GNC, AI, and mission ops to deliver mission-ready software.
• Ensure the scalability, security, and reliability of real-time mission control systems (MCS).
• Drive best practices for ground system development, including CI/CD, test automation, and incident response strategies.
• Serve as a mentor and technical leader for a team of engineers, guiding design reviews, code quality, and system architecture.
• Collaborate directly with mission operators to translate operational requirements into elegant, intuitive software tools.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement across the ground systems stack.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• At least 2+ years in a technical leadership or team lead role.
• Experience building and scaling real-time systems with high availability and low-latency data processing.
• Strong technical ownership and the ability to drive complex projects from concept through deployment.
• Eligibility for TS/SCI clearance.
• Willingness to support mission-critical operations, including on-call rotations or launch events.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with spacecraft command systems, ground station comms, and telemetry pipelines.
• Experience with CCSDS protocols and other spacecraft comms standards.
• Exposure to space mission planning, scheduling systems, or space situational awareness (SSA).
• Proven ability to integrate ground software with flight systems and simulate mission scenarios.
• Domain knowledge in LEO, GEO, or deep space operations.

Technical Environment:

• Languages: Go or Ruby and Python
• Protocols: CCSDS, telemetry, TT&C systems
• Architecture: Microservices, REST APIs, real-time telemetry processing

What You’ll Get:

• Retirement Support: 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO: Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Growth Opportunities: Leadership training, conferences, and internal career development.
• Company Culture: Inclusive, mission-driven, and collaborative—with regular team events and space mission celebrations.

Ready to lead the next generation of ground software systems?

Join us and make a tangible impact on the future of space exploration. Apply now to help shape the software backbone of tomorrow’s space missions.

• Seniority level
  
  Mid-Senior level

• Employment type
  
  Full-time

• Job function
  
  Information Technology and Engineering
• Industries Space Research and Technology, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Software Development

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