Director of Software Engineering
$176,000–$205,000 year
On-site · Torrance, California, United States
Job Summary
The Director of Software Engineering at FlightWave Aerospace will lead the development of software systems for autonomous VTOL unmanned aircraft, overseeing architecture, development, and scaling of the robotics software stack. This role includes building and leading a software engineering team, shaping technical direction, and establishing processes for rapid product development. Candidates should have significant experience in software engineering, particularly with embedded systems and autonomous platforms, and possess strong leadership abilities. Key skills include expertise in C++ development, software architecture in complex systems, and mentoring engineering talent. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related technical field and at least 12 years of professional experience.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
- 12+ years of professional software engineering experience
- 5+ years leading or managing software engineering teams
- Demonstrated experience scaling engineering organizations from small teams into multi-team software groups
- Strong background in robotics, embedded systems, or autonomous platforms
- Expert-level software architecture experience across complex distributed or real-time systems
- Strong proficiency in C++ and modern systems programming environments
- Experience developing software for hardware-integrated systems such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, or aerospace platforms
- Working understanding of control systems and sensor fusion concepts sufficient to guide system architecture, make tradeoff decisions, and collaborate effectively with engineers
- Experience incorporating AI-assisted development tools into engineering workflows to improve productivity, code quality, and iteration speed
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams
- Proven experience coordinating internal teams with external contractors or engineering vendors
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with robotics or autonomous systems software stacks (PX4, ROS2, MAVLink, etc.)
- Experience developing software for unmanned aircraft systems or aerospace platforms
- Familiarity with edge computing platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson or Qualcomm systems
- Experience leading software organizations supporting complex electromechanical products
- Background in mission-critical or regulated environments
- Experience with CMMC compliance
Additional Requirements
- Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
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