Flight Software Engineer Manager / C++/ On-Site

We're supporting a cutting-edge engineering organization developing complex systems that operate in challenging, high-reliability environments. Their work spans custom hardware, low-level software, autonomous behaviors, and system-orchestration layers that must operate flawlessly under demanding real-time conditions.

They're looking for a Flight Software Engineering Manager who can lead a small team while still owning major technical components. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys staying close to the codebase, defining architecture, guiding implementation, and ensuring system behavior across multiple subsystems while providing mentorship and direction to engineers.
Required Skills & Experience

• Experience guiding or mentoring engineers working on low-level, embedded, or mission-critical software
• Strong background developing high-reliability systems in modern C++
• Hands-on experience with Linux-based embedded systems, RTOS environments, or similar low-level platforms
• Comfort collaborating across hardware, firmware, and systems teams
• Ability to drive architectural decisions while still contributing individually

Desired Skills & Experience

• Background in robotics, autonomy, sensing systems, or other real-time system domains
• Experience building deterministic or fault-tolerant embedded software
• Familiarity with automated testing pipelines at module, subsystem, and full-system levels
• Strong communication skills and ability to operate cross-functionally

What You'll Be Doing
Technical Work - ~80%

• Designing and integrating embedded software
• Contributing to architecture and technical strategy
• Owning subsystem interfaces
• Implementing features that directly impact system behavior and reliability

Leadership - ~20%

• Guiding a small software team
• Setting priorities and reviewing technical work
• Ensuring successful delivery across multiple development efforts

Compensation & Perks

• ~$10,000 relocation signing bonus
• Competitive salary
• Equity package
• 3% automatic retirement contribution
• Medical, dental, vision coverage
• Paid family & medical leave
• Flexible/unlimited PTO
• Daily catered lunches

Work Arrangement
This is a full-time, onsite role in coastal Southern California
Work Authorization
Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.