Head of Embedded Software

This aerospace startup is revolutionizing the skies by developing high-altitude, solar-powered UAVs designed for next‑gen communication capabilities. The team is pioneering a new era of connectivity, one that will redefine global communications and access for underserved regions, complementing satellite communications. Their vision is to become a trailblazer in solar-powered aviation, reshaping the future of autonomous UAVs and setting a new standard for how the world connects from above.

This company has a powerhouse team and the network/tech to surpass competitors.

They’re now looking for a Head of Embedded Software to become a key part of their early team. This person will own the design, architecture, and development of embedded software across the vehicle, payload, and ground infrastructure. You will help set and lead the technical foundation for how the company builds, tests, and flies early systems.

This is an opportunity to define the embedded software foundation of a breakthrough seed‑stage aerospace startup from day one. If you’re ready for huge ownership, trajectory setting role, deep cross‑functional collaboration, and the chance to bring stratospheric aircraft to life, our client wants to meet you!

• The embedded software system architecture and execution for the company’s solar‑powered, high‑altitude aircraft
• Drive the selection and integration of key flight system components, providing input on major technical decisions across the board
• Partner closely with the founding engineering team across software disciplines, mechanical, RF/antenna, electrical, and aerodynamics
• Driving efforts such as:
  Testing, validation, and flight‑readiness efforts for early prototypes. Staying hands‑on in the build, integration, and hardware work

• A broad and strong generalist engineering background. Must be very comfortable at both, system‑level architecture and detailed, hands‑on execution
• Proven experience architecting, developing, testing and integrating embedded software for complex hardware systems (flying or autonomous vehicles a plus)
• Thrive in agile, fast‑moving, ambiguous environments. You enjoy early‑stage prototyping and making systems work end‑to‑end
• High‑level complex problem‑solving mindset with a bias for action
• Excitement to be part of a mission‑driven, technically rigorous team redefining what’s possible in aerospace communications.
• Tenacity, speed, and commitment. Comfortable with mistakes, imperfect decisions, and learning by building.
• Highly motivated to join an ambitious, technically rigorous, mission‑driven team. Looking to make a lasting impact and conduct some of the most impactful work of your career.

• Julia, Rust, Simulink, and or MATLAB

• Onsite in South San Francisco
• Work with a powerhouse, brilliant, passionate, seasoned agile team:v Collaborate with a tight‑knit crew of deeply technical and business‑savvy innovators. You will work alongside leaders with a star‑starred history of Silicon Valley success who are passionate about creating something industry shifting
• Strong startup salary: Be paid well to do the most energizing work of your career
• Equity at the ground floor: Own meaningful upside from day one. This is your chance to shape the company’s trajectory and participate fully in the value you help create
• Strong health insurance for employees: Enjoy strong medical coverage for employees so you can stay healthy while pushing boundaries
• Dog friendly office with views of the Bay: Bring your pup and enjoy a beautiful workspace with panoramic water views that spark creativity and joy

Our 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.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22…