Vice President of Software Engineering

Wisk; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company in the autonomous flight sector is seeking a Vice President of Software & Simulation to lead the development of cutting-edge real-time software for autonomous systems. This role emphasizes hands-on technical leadership, where you will guide high-performance teams in creating and validating AI/ML-powered solutions. The position offers the chance to shape the future of intelligent systems in the air, with a focus on safety and reliability in a fast-paced environment. Join a team dedicated to revolutionizing transportation through autonomy and innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience in eVTOL, aerospace, or autonomous vehicles.
• Strong background in managing software teams in safety-critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee software development lifecycle from architecture to deployment.
• Lead efforts in real-time embedded software for flight control and sensor fusion.
• Build and optimize simulation environments including HIL / SIL platforms.

Skills

Real-time software development

C / C++ programming

Control systems

AI / ML techniques

Embedded systems

Simulation environments

Job description

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!

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Vice President Of Engineering • Santa Clara, CA, United States