Director, Spacecraft Ground Software

Firefly Aerospace, Inc.; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Sabbatical

Health benefits

Mental health services

Military leave

Maternity leave

Spouse leave

Family planning assistance

Dog-friendly workplace

Stock bonuses

401(k) matching

Home purchase bonus

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is seeking a Manager, Spacecraft Ground Software to lead the team that designs, develops, deploys and operates the software enabling Firefly's spacecraft from assembly through launch and on-orbit operations.

You will set the long-term technical vision for the ground software platform, drive architecture across programs, mentor engineers, and ensure secure, scalable mission operations for multi-mission programs.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience developing, architecting, or delivering software systems for spacecraft, defense, robotics, or other mission-critical environments.
• 5+ years of engineering management experience with direct responsibility for technical teams.
• Experience designing service-oriented, distributed, or microservice-based software architectures.
• Strong cloud-native deployment experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and AWS.
• Clear communication across software, systems engineering, operations, IT, and cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Spacecraft Ground Software organization in the design and development of software systems supporting spacecraft integration, testing, mission rehearsals, launch campaigns, commissioning, and on-orbit mission operations.
• Establish the long-term technical vision and architecture for Firefly's enterprise spacecraft ground software ecosystem.
• Build, mentor, and grow a high-performing engineering organization through recruiting, hiring, technical leadership, career development, and performance management.
• Drive the evolution of service-oriented and distributed software architectures supporting mission-critical spacecraft operations.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to develop integrated operational solutions and ensure successful mission operations.

Skills

Software engineering leadership

Distributed software systems

Cloud deployments

Communication skills

Mission-critical software

Education

BS in Computer Science or related field

Advanced degree in CS or related

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

AWS

Telemetry pipelines

Job description

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is seeking a Manager, Spacecraft Ground Software to lead the team that designs, develops, deploys and operates the software enabling Firefly's spacecraft from assembly through launch and on-orbit operations.

You will set the long-term technical vision for the ground software platform, drive architecture across programs, mentor engineers, and ensure secure, scalable mission operations for multi-mission programs.