Chief Engineer – Software Engineering

Role Overview

• Act as the technical authority for software architecture, design, and implementation across all major programs, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, and lunar landers
• Lead key software design reviews, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and robustness to the harsh space environment
• Guide technical trades and architectural decisions, balancing system performance, cost, and schedule
• Collaborate with subsystem leads to establish and manage software interfaces and dependencies, including avionics, power, and communications systems
• Ensure rigorous software verification and validation through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and mission rehearsals
• Develop and maintain software performance budgets, including CPU utilization, memory constraints, and timing requirements
• Incorporate AI algorithms and computer vision models to support autonomous navigation, object detection, and decision-making during missions
• Manage technical risks by identifying, mitigating, and tracking potential issues throughout the development lifecycle
• Mentor and develop technical leads and junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement
• Interface with internal stakeholders, external partners, and customers (e.g., NASA and commercial payload providers) to provide status updates and technical guidance
• Represent Firefly at technical conferences, program reviews, and key industry events
• Drive innovation by proposing improvements to software processes, tools, and future mission capabilities

Requirements

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in embedded or flight software development, preferably in spacecraft or aerospace applications
• Expertise in C++ and software systems engineering, including requirements management, interface design, and systems integration
• Experience managing and delivering software within highly regulated, safety-critical environments (e.g., aerospace, defense, or automotive)
• Strong understanding of software verification and validation, including simulations and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience guiding cross-functional teams through complex technical challenges
• Experience managing risk and technical performance metrics, including memory, power, and timing budgets
• Strong organizational skills and proficiency with project management tools like Jira and Confluence
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to a range of stakeholders
• MS or higher in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field (desired)
• 12+ years of experience in flight or mission-critical software development (desired)
• Experience working through the full life cycle of a spacecraft or launch vehicle program, from design to mission operations (desired)
• Knowledge of cleanroom and flatsat operational procedures (desired)
• Experience working with US government space programs, including NASA or DoD projects (desired)
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, or similar quality standards (desired)
• Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one (desired)

Benefits

• generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
• parental leave
• educational reimbursement
• short term disability
• pet Insurance
• flexible PTO options