Software Architecture and Certification Engineer

Job Title: Software Architecture and Certification Engineer
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA]

About Grid.aero

Grid.aero is building the next generation of autonomous aviation systems for defense and commercial applications. Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we solve hard operational problems at the intersection of autonomy, resilient logistics, and scalable air mobility. We move quickly, operate with urgency, and build systems designed for real-world deployment where small teams own meaningful problems end-to-end.

Read this, we mean it → Above all, we look for exceptional builders with deep internal drive, massive throughput, hopeless optimism, and a relentless growth mindset. The people who thrive at Grid operate with urgency, learn quickly, adapt fast, and are energized by hard problems with no obvious answers. We value individuals who continuously push themselves and the team around them to improve.

This is an opportunity to work on products with national and global impact alongside a collaborative team that values technical excellence, execution, and mission focus.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Software Architecture and Certification Engineer to own the architecture of the flight and mission software on our autonomous aircraft, and the plan to certify it. You will define how the software is partitioned, assured, and verified. You will keep the approach lean enough for a small team to move quickly.

What You'll Do

• Define the software architecture for flight-critical and mission software
• Define the partitioning and interfaces between flight-critical and non-critical software
• Define software interfaces between all software and hardware elements at the aircraft system level down to the component level.
• Write and own the software development plan and certification approach
• Set software assurance levels and the verification and validation strategy with the safety lead
• Evaluate tools and methods, including formal methods, that reduce verification effort
• Work with GNC, avionics, and autonomy teams on interfaces and integration

Key Qualifications

• First-principles thinker who finds the simplest path to the goal and thrives in a fast-paced environment
• 5+ years of experience developing or architecting embedded or safety-critical software
• Experience with real-time systems, RTOS, or software partitioning
• Experience with DO-178C or similar software assurance standards
• Experience taking software through certification or airworthiness approval preferred
• Familiarity with formal methods or static analysis tools preferred
• Nice to have: cybersecurity experience for embedded systems, RMF, or secure DevSecOps pipelines
• Legal Requirement: Due to U.S. export control laws, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents).

Compensation $150k- 200K .1-.5 % Equity 

Equal Opportunity Employer Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, orientation, or status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).