VP of Software

Outpost; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 275,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Equity stake in Outpost

Comprehensive health benefits

Disability and life insurance

Paid time off + holidays

401(k) with company match

Lunch stipend and snacks

Company events

Job summary

Outpost is seeking a visionary VP of Software in Vista, CA to own and scale the complete software function, from flight software to ground systems and infrastructure. You will drive strategy, architecture, and execution, reporting to the CTO and collaborating with avionics, GN&C, and AI&T teams.

You will lead a high-performing software organization, set standards, and align leadership on technical direction while delivering reliable, scalable software for frontier space technologies.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of software engineering experience with 5+ years in executive leadership.
• Proven success leading software teams at high-growth tech or aerospace companies.
• Deep experience across flight software, ground software, and infrastructure.
• Strong architecture judgment and strategic thinking.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills to align stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own Outpost’s software strategy and roadmap from flight to ground systems.
• Build and scale a high-performing software organization.
• Drive architecture decisions balancing reliability, performance, and speed.
• Collaborate with avionics, GN&C, and AI&T teams on software integration.
• Establish development, testing, and release processes.

Skills

Software leadership

Architecture judgment

Executive communication

Team building

Space/aerospace domain awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Software Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Flight software

Ground software

Infrastructure software

Job description

Outpost is pioneering Earth return logistics for space. We’re building vehicles that can return payloads from orbit safely and precisely enabling faster space-based manufacturing, global delivery, and entirely new capabilities in the space economy. Our spacecraft is already backed by the U.S. government with multiple missions ahead. We’re a mission-focused team, building with urgency, grit, and care for the work we do and the people we do it with.

The Team

We’re looking for a visionary and execution-oriented Vice President of Software to own the full software function at Outpost. This is a foundational leadership role responsible for building, scaling, and directing all software efforts from flight software to ground systems and infrastructure. You’ll lead the high-level strategy, architecture, and execution of Outpost’s software organization. You’ll report directly to our CTO and work closely with company leadership across avionics, GN&C, and integration and test.

Responsibilities

• Own Outpost’s software strategy and roadmap, from flight software to ground systems
• Build and scale a high-performing software engineering organization
• Drive architecture decisions balancing reliability, performance, and speed of iteration
• Partner closely with avionics, GN&C, and AI&T teams on software integration
• Establish software development best practices, testing, and release processes
• Collaborate with executive leadership on technical strategy and prioritization
• Drive metrics and reporting to track software delivery and system reliability
• Build and lead a high-performing software team as we scale

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree of higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science or related field
• 12+ years of software engineering experience, with 5+ years in executive leadership roles
• Proven success leading software teams at high-growth technology or aerospace companies
• Deep experience across flight software, ground software, and infrastructure
• Exceptional technical and strategic instincts, with strong architecture judgment
• Experience managing engineering teams and driving software development processes
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with an ability to inspire teams and align stakeholders
• Passion for frontier technology, space, and building something from the ground up

Preferred Experience

• Background in aerospace, launch vehicles, or spacecraft software
• Experience with flight-critical or safety-critical software systems
• Startup experience or familiarity with fast-paced, high-growth environments

Compensation

• Competitive compensation:$275,000 – $325,000; (commensurate with experience).
• Additional Compensation:Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
• Shared upside:Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
• Comprehensive healthcare:Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental.
• Protection when it matters:Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
• PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
• Invest in your future:401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
• Fueled for the mission:Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
• Mission that matters:Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
• Pet Friendly Office:Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
• Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events:Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S.