Manager, Mission Systems Software

Insight Global; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global seeks a Manager of Mission Systems Software to lead a dispersed team of engineers across San Diego, Simi Valley, and remote locations. You will drive software strategy for onboard mission systems including computer vision, autonomy, robotics, and flight software, partnering with the Software Chief Engineer and cross-functional teams.

The role requires 12+ years in software, 4+ years leading teams, and experience delivering mission-critical software in aerospace/defense.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of software engineering experience.
• 4+ years leading software teams as a manager or technical leader.
• Experience managing organizations of 15+ engineers.
• Proven success scaling engineering teams during periods of rapid growth.
• Experience delivering mission-critical, safety-critical, or flight-critical software through full lifecycle.
• Experience in highly technical environments: Autonomous systems, Robotics, Unmanned systems, Aerospace, Defense tech.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communication with technical and executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-site software engineering team.
• Drive hiring, onboarding, retention, and career development initiatives.
• Manage staffing plans, budgets, schedules, and performance reviews.
• Partner with Software Chief Engineer to define software roadmaps and priorities.
• Oversee development of computer vision, autonomy, robotics, and flight software.
• Coordinate across programs and product lines; drive release planning and sprints.
• Promote software quality via design reviews, testing, and release processes.
• Collaborate with Systems Eng., GNC, Hardware, Flight Test, and PM teams.
• Support integration, test, and flight-test milestones.

Skills

Multi-site leadership

C++ programming

Python

Linux development

Computer vision

Machine learning

Agile software

CI/CD pipelines

Git/GitLab

Docker

Kubernetes

ARM processors

Education

MS or PhD

Tools

Git

GitLab

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Description

The Manager, Mission Systems Software will lead a multi-site team of software engineers responsible for developing onboard mission systems software for unmanned and autonomous platforms. This includes computer vision, autonomy, cooperative behaviors, robotics, and flight software. The role is responsible for team growth, technical leadership, program execution, and software development strategy while partnering closely with the Software Chief Engineer and cross-functional engineering teams.

This individual will oversee a team of approximately 13-14 engineers located across San Diego, Simi Valley, and remotely. The team consists of a balanced mix of junior through principal-level engineers, including several technical leads.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-site software engineering team.
• Drive hiring, onboarding, retention, and career development initiatives.
• Manage staffing plans, budgets, schedules, and performance reviews.
• Partner with the Software Chief Engineer to define software roadmaps and technical priorities.
• Oversee development of:Computer vision systemsAutonomy and autonomous behaviorsRobotics softwareMission systems softwareFlight softwareCoordinate software efforts across multiple programs and product lines.
• Lead Agile development activities including release planning, sprint planning, and resource allocation.
• Promote software quality through:Design reviewsRequirements-based testingCode coverage metricsConfiguration management and release processesDrive software reuse and architectural consistency across programs.
• Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering, GNC, Hardware, Flight Test, and Program Management teams.
• Support integration, test, and flight-test milestones.

Skills and Requirements

• Experience12+ years of software engineering experience.
• 4+ years leading software teams as a manager or technical leader.
• Experience managing organizations of 15+ engineers.
• Proven success scaling engineering teams during periods of rapid growth.
• Experience delivering mission-critical, safety-critical, or flight-critical software through the full development lifecycle.
• Experience working in highly technical engineering environments such as:Autonomous systemsRoboticsUnmanned systemsAerospaceDefense technologyTechnical SkillsStrong understanding of:C+Modern C++ (C++17 preferred)PythonLinux application developmentFamiliarity with:Embedded software conceptsARM-based processorsSensor and camera-based systemsComputer vision softwareMachine learning pipelinesExperience with:Agile software developmentGit/GitLabCI/CD pipelinesContainerization (Docker or similar)Software development lifecycle best practicesUnderstanding of software engineering fundamentals, architecture, testing, and release processes.
• Leadership CompetenciesProven people leadership and mentorship experience.
• Ability to work effectively across teams and personalities.
• Strong focus on employee growth, retention, and engagement.
• Comfortable leading through organizational growth and change.
• Strong communication skills across technical and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to identify and mitigate program and technical risks.
• Domain ExperienceUnmanned aerial systems (UAS)DronesAutonomous vehiclesRoboticsComputer visionMachine learning / AIAutonomy and cooperative behavior systemsFlight softwareTechnical ExperienceReal-time systemsRobotics middleware/frameworksOpen systems architecturesMOSAFACEDO-178Container orchestration technologiesDistributed mission systemsLeadership & EnvironmentExperience leading distributed or multi-site engineering teams.
• Experience in fast-paced defense technology organizations.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD).

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [e-mail].