Software Leader

Doist; Sausalito (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity compensation

Comprehensive health coverage

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Seneca is seeking a hands-on Chief Software Architect to drive autonomy, perception, and cloud infrastructure for wildfire drone systems. You will architect core software, lead a multidisciplinary team, and partner with Hardware, Electrical, and Test leaders to deliver integrated, field-ready solutions.

Reporting to executives, you will balance strategy with hands-on coding, shape the software roadmap, and ensure robust deployments in real-world conditions with emergency-service partners.

Qualifications

• Experience leading software teams in robotics or autonomous systems.
• Deep expertise in embedded systems, perception, sensor fusion, autonomy stacks, real-time software and cloud infrastructure.
• Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and scale engineering teams in early-stage startups.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the software roadmap for autonomy, perception, and cloud systems.
• Lead hands-on development and prototyping while building scalable, reliable infrastructure.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a software team with robotics, ML/AI, and embedded systems expertise.
• Collaborate with hardware, product, and test teams to deliver integrated, field-ready systems.

Job description

The Opportunity:

You will drive the development and execution of Seneca's software systems across autonomy, controls, perception, onboard intelligence, and cloud infrastructure. Reporting to executive leadership, you will partner closely with the leaders of Hardware, Software, Electrical, Test and other functions to deliver fully integrated systems that are deployable, resilient, and mission-critical. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone excited to architect core systems, build and lead a strong engineering team, and play a foundational role in a high-impact, early-stage startup.

What You’ll Do:

• Software Architecture & Execution: Drive the software roadmap and technical execution across autonomy, navigation, perception, targeting, flight control, simulation, and cloud-based systems, in partnership with company leadership. You will pick the lanes where you are most expert to lead, and will support the team in others
• Hands-On Development: Write production-level code and build prototypes as needed while building scalable, reliable infrastructure.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-caliber software team with expertise in flight controls, autonomy, robotics, ML/AI, and embedded systems; establish engineering processes and best practices as the team scales
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, product, and operations teams to design integrated systems that meet real-world performance requirements
• Deployment & Field Readiness: Ensure software systems are robust in field conditions by supporting testing, iteration, and deployment with fire departments and emergency response partners
• Tooling & Simulation: Develop simulation and testing environments to enable rapid iteration and improve performance across perception and planning

Background & Experience:

• ~10 years (proxy, not a requirement) of software engineering experience, ideally in robotics, autonomous systems, drones, or aerospace applications, including experience managing engineers or leading technical teams
• Deep experience with embedded systems, perception, sensor fusion, autonomy stacks, real-time systems, and cloud infrastructure
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams in early-stage, fast-paced environments
• Strong understanding of autonomy frameworks (e.g., ROS, PX4, custom SLAM/navigation systems)
• Experience deploying software in real-world field conditions; familiarity with FAA, safety, or defense requirements is a plus
• Work in aviation is desirable but not required

What You Bring:

• Mission-Driven: Passionate about Seneca's mission of wildfire prevention
• Hands-On Leader + Builder: Excited to roll up your sleeves and prototype alongside the team
• Systems Thinker: Able to architect scalable systems across ground and airborne environments
• Fast-Moving Operator: Thrives in ambiguity and takes initiative to solve complex challenges
• Plays to Win: Enjoys the hard but worthwhile experience of grinding with a team to achieve something worthwhile
• Kind: At home in a culture where excellence and kindness coexist

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary – Reflective of your skills and experience
• Equity Compensation – Be a part-owner in the company’s future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses
• Unlimited PTO – Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

About Us

Seneca is building cutting-edge drone and sensor technology for wildfire suppression, aiming to eliminate wildfire risk across 500 million acres of high-risk U.S. + allied territory. Backed by top-tier investors, including Convective Capital, Caffeinated Capital, First Round Capital, Slow Ventures, Nextview Ventures, Transition Capital, Bullpen Capital, Stepstone Group, Roar Capital, Offline Ventures, and leaders from Palantir, Google, Meta, and many others, the company has raised $110M in Series A funding and is valued over $500 million. Founded by Stu Landesberg (former Founder & CEO of Grove Collaborative — IPO in 2022 at $1.7B) and fire industry experts, Seneca is a mission-driven company dedicated to climate resilience and fire prevention.