Manager, Mission Systems Software

The Manager, Mission Systems Software will lead a multi-site team of software engineers responsible for developing onboard mission systems software for unmanned and autonomous platforms. This includes computer vision, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, robotics, and flight software. The role is responsible for team growth, technical leadership, program execution, and software development strategy while partnering closely with the Software Chief Engineer and cross-functional engineering teams.

This individual will oversee a team of approximately 13-14 engineers located across San Diego, Simi Valley, and remotely. The team consists of a balanced mix of junior through principal-level engineers, including several technical leads.

Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-site software engineering team.

Drive hiring, onboarding, retention, and career development initiatives.

Manage staffing plans, budgets, schedules, and performance reviews.

Partner with the Software Chief Engineer to define software roadmaps and technical priorities.

Oversee development of:

Computer vision systems

Autonomy and autonomous behaviors

Robotics software

Mission systems software

Flight software

Coordinate software efforts across multiple programs and product lines.

Lead Agile development activities including release planning, sprint planning, and resource allocation.

Promote software quality through:

Design reviews

Requirements-based testing

Code coverage metrics

Configuration management and release processes

Drive software reuse and architectural consistency across programs.

Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering, GNC, Hardware, Flight Test, and Program Management teams.

Support integration, test, and flight-test milestones.

Experience
12+ years of software engineering experience.
4+ years leading software teams as a manager or technical leader.

Experience managing organizations of 15+ engineers.

Proven success scaling engineering teams during periods of rapid growth.

Experience delivering mission-critical, safety-critical, or flight-critical software through the full development lifecycle.

Experience working in highly technical engineering environments such as:

Autonomous systems

Robotics

Unmanned systems

Aerospace

Defense technology

Technical Skills Strong understanding of:

C+Modern C++ (C++17 preferred)
Python Linux application development

Familiarity with:

Embedded software concepts ARM-based processors

Sensor and camera-based systems

Computer vision software

Machine learning pipelines

Experience with :

Agile software development

Git/GitLabCI/CD pipelines

Containerization (Docker or similar)
Software development lifecycle best practices

Understanding of software engineering fundamentals, architecture, testing, and release processes.

Leadership Competencies Proven people leadership and mentorship experience.

Ability to work effectively across teams and personalities.

Strong focus on employee growth, retention, and engagement.

Comfortable leading through organizational growth and change.

Strong communication skills across technical and executive stakeholders.

Ability to identify and mitigate program and technical risks.

Domain Experience Unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
Drones Autonomous vehicles

Robotics

Computer vision

Machine learning / AIAutonomy and cooperative behavior systems

Flight software

Technical Experience Real-time systems

Robotics middleware/frameworks

Open systems architecturesMOSAFACEDO-178

Container orchestration technologies

Distributed mission systems

Leadership & Environment Experience leading distributed or multi-site engineering teams.

Experience in fast-paced defense technology organizations.

Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Advanced degree (MS or PhD).

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

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