Chief Engineer - Software Engineering

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

As the Chief Engineer for Software Engineering, you will lead and shape the technical direction of Firefly Aerospace’s software stack across all major programs, including our medium launch vehicle, Blue Ghost lunar lander, and upcoming fleet of orbital spacecraft. Each of these programs is vital to Firefly’s mission of enabling sustainable access to space, and you will ensure our software systems meet the highest technical standards to support their success. With a key focus on spacecraft, you will drive the development of mission-critical software, from flight systems to ground operations, while collaborating closely across teams to deliver high-performing, integrated solutions. Additionally, you will play a key role in integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer vision into spacecraft software, enabling advanced navigation, fault detection, autonomy, and in-mission adaptability. As the top technical authority within the software department, you will instill engineering rigor, technical excellence, and system-level design discipline in every aspect of software development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Act as the technical authority for software architecture, design, and implementation across all major programs, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, and lunar landers. Lead key software design reviews, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and robustness to the harsh space environment. Guide technical trades and architectural decisions, balancing system performance, cost, and schedule. Collaborate with subsystem leads to establish and manage software interfaces and dependencies, including avionics, power, and communications systems. Ensure rigorous software verification and validation through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and mission rehearsals. Develop and maintain software performance budgets, including CPU utilization, memory constraints, and timing requirements. Incorporate AI algorithms and computer vision models to support autonomous navigation, object detection, and decision-making during missions. Manage technical risks by identifying, mitigating, and tracking potential issues throughout the development lifecycle. Mentor and develop technical leads and junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement. Interface with internal stakeholders, external partners, and customers (e.g., NASA and commercial payload providers) to provide status updates and technical guidance. Represent Firefly at technical conferences, program reviews, and key industry events. Drive innovation by proposing improvements to software processes, tools, and future mission capabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field. 10+ years of experience in embedded or flight software development, preferably in spacecraft or aerospace applications. Expertise in C++ and software systems engineering, including requirements management, interface design, and systems integration. Experience managing and delivering software within highly regulated, safety-critical environments (e.g., aerospace, defense, or automotive). Strong understanding of software verification and validation, including simulations and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience guiding cross-functional teams through complex technical challenges. Experience managing risk and technical performance metrics, including memory, power, and timing budgets. Strong organizational skills and proficiency with project management tools like Jira and Confluence. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to a range of stakeholders. MS or higher in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field. 12+ years of experience in flight or mission-critical software development. Experience working through the full life cycle of a spacecraft or launch vehicle program, from design to mission operations. Knowledge of cleanroom and flatsat operational procedures. Experience working with US government space programs, including NASA or DoD projects. Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, or similar quality standards. Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one. Benefits Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, pet Insurance, and flexible PTO options. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Firefly Aerospace