Lead Software Engineer

EVONA; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO

Leadership training

Inclusive company culture

Team events and celebrations

Job summary

An innovative space technology company is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to spearhead the development of advanced ground software systems for satellite operations. This role involves architecting robust systems, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring the reliability of mission-critical software. Ideal candidates will have a strong technical background, proven leadership experience, and a passion for space exploration. Join a collaborative environment where your contributions will directly impact the future of space missions and operations. If you're ready to take on this challenge, apply now to be part of something extraordinary.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a technical leadership role overseeing software projects.
• Experience with real-time systems and high availability.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of ground software systems for satellite operations.
• Define technical roadmaps and mentor engineering teams.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Real-time Systems

Project Management

Software Development

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Go

Ruby

Python

Microservices

REST APIs

Job description

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by EVONA. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$160,000.00/yr - $180,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from EVONA

Lead Software Engineer (Ground Software) – Onsite | Irvine, CA

Are you passionate about leading the development of mission-critical ground software systems that power space missions?

A leading space technology company seeks a Lead Software Engineer to drive the technical vision and execution of advanced ground systems supporting satellite operations and interplanetary missions.

Due to the sensitivity of the work, this position requires on-site presence five days a week and will require you to undergo a TS/SCI Clearance.

As a Lead Ground Software Engineer, you will:

• Architect, design, and lead development of robust ground software systems for satellite command, telemetry, and mission operations.
• Define technical roadmaps and lead cross-functional teams across GNC, AI, and mission ops to deliver mission-ready software.
• Ensure the scalability, security, and reliability of real-time mission control systems (MCS).
• Drive best practices for ground system development, including CI/CD, test automation, and incident response strategies.
• Serve as a mentor and technical leader for a team of engineers, guiding design reviews, code quality, and system architecture.
• Collaborate directly with mission operators to translate operational requirements into elegant, intuitive software tools.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement across the ground systems stack.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• At least 2+ years in a technical leadership or team lead role.
• Experience building and scaling real-time systems with high availability and low-latency data processing.
• Strong technical ownership and the ability to drive complex projects from concept through deployment.
• Eligibility for TS/SCI clearance.
• Willingness to support mission-critical operations, including on-call rotations or launch events.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with spacecraft command systems, ground station comms, and telemetry pipelines.
• Experience with CCSDS protocols and other spacecraft comms standards.
• Exposure to space mission planning, scheduling systems, or space situational awareness (SSA).
• Proven ability to integrate ground software with flight systems and simulate mission scenarios.
• Domain knowledge in LEO, GEO, or deep space operations.

Technical Environment:

• Languages: Go or Ruby and Python
• Protocols: CCSDS, telemetry, TT&C systems
• Architecture: Microservices, REST APIs, real-time telemetry processing

What You’ll Get:

• Retirement Support: 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO: Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Growth Opportunities: Leadership training, conferences, and internal career development.
• Company Culture: Inclusive, mission-driven, and collaborative—with regular team events and space mission celebrations.

Ready to lead the next generation of ground software systems?

Join us and make a tangible impact on the future of space exploration. Apply now to help shape the software backbone of tomorrow’s space missions.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Information Technology and Engineering

• Industries

  Space Research and Technology, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Software Development

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at EVONA by 2x

Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Get notified about new Software Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA.

Huntington Beach, CA $85,000.00-$115,000.00 3 weeks ago

Huntington Beach, CA $115,000.00-$165,000.00 2 months ago

Fall 2025 Internship - Software Engineering

Long Beach, CA $98,000.00-$135,000.00 10 hours ago

Irvine, CA $130,000.00-$150,000.00 21 hours ago

Software Development Engineer in Test – 2025 (US)

Irvine, CA $105,000.00-$185,000.00 6 days ago

Buena Park, CA $70,000.00-$80,000.00 1 month ago

Irvine, CA $120,000.00-$150,000.00 3 weeks ago

Frontend Software Engineer - Autonomy UI

Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, Campus, 2025 Start

Irvine, CA $136,000.00-$200,000.00 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.