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.

Key Responsibilities 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/GitLab CI/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 / AI Autonomy and cooperative behavior systems Flight software Technical Experience Real-time systems Robotics middleware/frameworks Open systems architectures MOSA FACE DO-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).