Head of Software ()

Northwood Space; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Short- and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Generous paid time off

Equity in stock options

Job summary

Northwood Space in Torrance, California, is seeking a Head of Software responsible for executing the digital roadmap to connect Earth and space. This role involves leading a high-performing software team and ensuring the delivery of mission‑critical systems.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of software engineering experience, a strong background in backend systems, and will own the architecture of core software. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage, a 401(k), and potential performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including ownership of production systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and delivering complex, mission-critical software.
• Strong background across backend systems and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture and technical direction of Northwood’s core software stack.
• Plan, prioritize, and execute complex, cross‑functional software projects.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high‑performing software team.
• Build and maintain strong engineering foundations.
• Ensure systems are scalable, reliable, secure, and observable in production.
• Stay hands-on as needed to design, debug, and deliver critical systems.

Skills

Software engineering experience

Leadership experience

Backend systems and infrastructure

Linux internals

Networking

C/C++ or Rust

Embedded engineering

Job description

HEAD OF SOFTWARE

As Head of Software, you will be responsible for executing Northwood’s digital roadmap to connect Earth and space. You will own and integrate Northwood’s core backend software, infrastructure, networking, and embedded systems, spanning cloud services, ground systems, and low-level software running close to the hardware. This is a player‑coach role: you set technical direction, lead execution, and stay hands‑on to ensure mission‑critical systems are delivered reliably and on aggressive timelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own the architecture and technical direction of Northwood’s core software stack, including backend APIs, infrastructure and networking
• Plan, prioritize, and execute complex, cross‑functional software projects in close collaboration with hardware and operations teams
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high‑performing software team across backend and infrastructure domains
• Build and maintain strong engineering foundations, including tooling, CI/CD, deployment, and operational processes
• Ensure systems are scalable, reliable, secure, and observable in production
• Stay hands‑on as needed to design, debug, and deliver critical systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7–10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including ownership of production systems
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and delivering complex, mission‑critical software
• Strong background across backend systems and infrastructure

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Startup experience
• Aerospace or mission‑critical systems experience
• Experience with Linux internals, networking, or distributed systems
• Experience with C/C++ or Rust
• Background in embedded engineering and leading teams within that domain

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. You may also be eligible for equity in the form of stock options or other long‑term incentives, as well as potential performance bonuses. We offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and various other perks and discounts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.