Software Product Development Lead - Defense & Space Technology
Location: San Diego, CA preferred (Hybrid/Remote optional)
Full-Time Green Card holders accepted
About the Company:
Join a forward-thinking defense, national security, and space technology organization dedicated to building mission-critical systems that protect vital assets and drive technological advancement. This company operates at the cutting edge of satellite subsystems and space component development, creating products such as software-defined radios, star trackers, and sun sensors.
The Role:
We are seeking an experienced Software Product Development Lead to oversee software architecture, development, and testing across a growing product portfolio. This is a highly technical leadership role, best suited for individuals passionate about building efficient, scalable software systems and who thrive in hands-on environments. The successful candidate will drive initiatives to mature current technologies, streamline development environments, and support readiness for production scaling.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead software architecture, development strategy, and roadmap execution across product lines
- Own and enhance CI/CD pipeline design and development
- Standardize tools, languages, and processes across the software development lifecycle
- Mature automated test environments and ground support software (Python-focused)
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, engineering, and leadership teams
- Drive efficiency and quality improvements across existing and future programs.
- Oversee embedded software and application-layer development for satellite systems
Preferred Tech Stack:
- Languages: C, C , Python, Java, Matlab
- Development Focus: Embedded systems, application development, automation scripting
- Methodologies: Agile development practices, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- 7+ years of software development and leadership experience (flexible for the right candidate)
- Hands-on expertise building software environments and defining dev standards from the ground up
- Strong background in embedded systems and scalable application software.
- Familiar with aerospace, defense, or space industry standards (DO-178, NPR 7150.2 a plus), not essential
- Able to extract customer needs and translate them into product development strategies
- Strategic thinker with strong collaboration and communication skills
- Experience leading small technical teams and collaborating across multidisciplinary functions
Travel Requirements:
- On-site candidates: 10-20% travel
- Remote candidates: Up to 25% initially (decreasing over time)
Interview Process:
- Initial screening call with technical leadership
- Deeper second-round technical interview (onsite possible if preferred)