Vice President of Software Engineering

Wisk; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering firm in autonomous electric flight as the Vice President of Software & Simulation. In this hands-on leadership role, you will drive the development of high-integrity software for autonomous systems, ensuring safety and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cutting-edge AI/ML technologies and optimize simulation environments. This is your chance to shape the future of intelligent systems in aviation while leading a talented team in a fast-paced, innovative environment. If you are ready to make a significant impact in the world of autonomy, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in scaling and managing software teams in safety-critical industries.
• Deep expertise in real-time software development and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee software development lifecycle for autonomous systems.
• Lead real-time embedded software efforts for decision-making and flight control.

Skills

Real-time software development

C/C++ programming

Control systems

Low-latency computing

AI/ML techniques

Tools

HIL/SIL systems

Model-based design

Synthetic test environments

Job description

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

Director at Round-Peg Solutions (RPS) A perfect fit..... Always.

RPS Recruitment are proud to be partnering with Wisk Aero, a leading force in autonomous electric flight, to secure a world-class Vice President of Software & Simulation to join their leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to help revolutionise the next generation of autonomy in transportation.

Are you a technical leader who thrives in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment? Do you have experience leading high-performance teams in real-time embedded software, autonomy, and simulation? If so, this could be your chance to drive the future of intelligent, autonomous systems in the air.

As VP of Software & Simulation, you’ll lead the development of high-integrity, real-time software for autonomous systems, ensuring fast, iterative development while maintaining safety and reliability. This is a hands-on technical leadership role, where you’ll build and scale software teams, define software architecture, and drive simulation, HIL/SIL testing, and AI/ML-powered autonomy validation.

Responsibilities of the VP of Software & Simulation

• Oversee the full software development lifecycle, from architecture and development through to testing and deployment
• Lead real-time embedded software efforts for decision-making, flight control, and sensor fusion
• Build out and optimise simulation environments including HIL/SIL platforms, synthetic data generation, and digital twin frameworks
• Drive the integration of AI/ML technologies for autonomy validation and automated test pipelines
• Grow and develop high-performance engineering teams, hiring top-tier talent and supporting their progression
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration between hardware, autonomy, and systems engineering

What we're looking for from the VP of Software & Simulation

• Candidates must come from a relevant domain such as eVTOL, aerospace, space, autonomous vehicles (automotive included), or similar safety-critical industries
• A strong track record of scaling and managing software teams within autonomy, robotics, or safety-critical embedded systems
• Deep expertise in real-time software development, including control systems, RTOS, C/C++, and low-latency computing
• Experience building and deploying HIL/SIL systems, using model-based design, and generating synthetic test environments
• Exposure to AI/ML techniques and how they can be applied to real-time systems for perception, planning, and automated validation
• A mindset geared towards rapid, iterative software development with an understanding of safety and reliability requirements in regulated environments

The compensation package is highly competitive, with both short-term and long-term incentives included.

Please apply today for a response within one working day!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, and Robotics Engineering

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