Software Engineering Manager - IoT + Cloud Systems, AI/ML
Location: San Diego, CA - Full-Time, On-Site
TL;DR
Lead a small, fast-moving software team building the cloud systems behind edge-connected IoT devices and autonomous vehicles. You'll use your high EQ to guide a team of bright and motivated engineers. On-site in San Diego. High ownership, direct impact, and a chance to shape the future of. Early impact with huge potential. $150-175K + equity
About the Company
We're partnering exclusively with a well-funded, revenue-generating startup operating at the intersection of autonomy, edge computing, and cloud-connected systems - one of the most exciting growth areas in tech today. Their mission? To build rugged, intelligent platforms that collect, transmit, and act on data in places traditional systems can't reach.
This team designs and deploys advanced, edge-connected autonomous vehicles and the software infrastructure that powers them, from real-time telemetry and multi-sensor data collection to remote operations interfaces. They're a tight-knit crew of engineers, operators, and builders who value clarity, accountability, and meaningful impact.
The Role
As Software Engineering Manager, you'll lead a small but growing team responsible for building the cloud infrastructure that interfaces directly with autonomous vehicles and edge devices. Your team's work powers critical features like remote ops control, sensor data management, and real-time system monitoring.
You'll collaborate closely with the CEO and cross-functional partners across hardware and operations. This is a hands-on leadership role as a team mentor and execution driver.
You'll be a great fit if you thrive in dynamic environments, can wear multiple hats with ease, and love helping smart people solve tough problems. Whether you're sketching out a system roadmap, getting into the code to unblock an issue, or helping a teammate level up, you'll be shaping not just the software, but the team that builds it.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead development of cloud-based software infrastructure for ASVs and associated edge devices
- Guide and grow a small, high-EQ software team through technical and career development
- Architect reliable and maintainable systems that handle multi-modal sensor data at scale
- Collaborate across hardware, operations, and leadership to deliver fully integrated systems
- Balance startup urgency with sustainable engineering practices
- Translate business priorities into clean execution plans and progress updates
- Contribute code where needed and lead from a place of technical credibility
What You Bring
Required:
- 8+ years of professional software experience with startup experience.
- 2+ years leading technical teams building cloud-based solutions interfacing with embedded systems and IoT/edge-devices
- Hands-on experience with C/C , Python, and/or TypeScript
- Excellent communicator, EQ-driven leader, and team motivator
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and changing priorities in startup environments and prioritize feature pipeline
- Must be a US Citizen, eligible for Secret Clearance.
- Must currently reside in or plan to relocate to San Diego, CA and interested in fulltime onsite role.
Preferred:
- Experience building software for remote or low-connectivity environments
- Previous work in aerospace, defense, maritime, or field robotics environments
- Familiarity with telemetry, sensor fusion, or remote command/control systems
Why This Role Rocks
- Tangible impact: Your work directly supports real-world autonomous missions
- Early leadership: You'll shape the software direction and team culture
- Startup energy: A collaborative team with a sense of urgency and mission
- Growth runway: Join during a high-growth period and grow with the company
- High visibility: Work directly with the CEO and executive team
Compensation: $140K-$175K base + excellent benefits + early startup equity