Director, Ground Software Engineering

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground. OUR VALUES Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity. What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results. It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together. YOUR MISSION As Director of Ground Software, you will own the full vision, strategy, and execution of Mosaic, the complete software platform for space superiority. Leading a talented team of engineers across frontend, backend, and QA, you will shape the architecture, culture, and roadmap of a product that sits at the heart of every mission we fly. This is a rare opportunity to lead at the intersection of deep technical craft and real-world space operations, building software that doesn't just ship, it launches. RESPONSIBILITIES Lead all aspects of ground software development and product management for the Mosaic satellite control system, including frontend, backend, and quality assurance. Own product strategy, roadmap, and prioritization for Mosaic, balancing customer needs, technical capabilities, and business objectives. Set and own software architecture and technical vision for Mosaic, ensuring modularity, scalability, and system resilience across the React frontend and Elixir backend. Drive technical decisions around system design, API architecture, real-time data processing, and performance optimization. Drive customer engagement, requirements gathering, and feature definition in partnership with Sales and customer success teams. Build and manage a high‑performing ground software team through strong leadership, mentorship, recruiting, and performance management. Own and evolve the software development lifecycle, including standards for CI/CD, validation, configuration control, and deployment. Partner cross‑functionally with Hardware, Flight Software, Operations, and Sales teams to ensure integrated system delivery and customer success. Integrate AI/ML capabilities into ground operations where appropriate, working with data science and autonomy teams. Ensure compliance with relevant standards including RMF, NIST 800 series, and government/defense software requirements. Manage the Mosaic product roadmap and backlog, translating customer needs into actionable development plans. Oversee software budgeting, vendor relationships, and resourcing to support product growth. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field. 12+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership roles. Proven leadership of software teams of 15+ engineers across frontend, backend, and QA. Deep technical expertise in modern web technologies, particularly React and functional programming paradigms. Strong understanding of backend distributed systems, real-time data processing, and API design. Experience with product management, roadmap planning, and customer-facing product delivery. Experience delivering mission‑critical software in aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated industries. Experience with satellite ground systems, command and control software, or mission operations systems. Strong product sense, able to balance technical excellence with customer and mission requirements. The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Master's degree in Computer Science or related field. Direct experience with Elixir/Erlang and the BEAM ecosystem. Experience architecting real‑time web applications with WebSockets or similar technologies. Direct experience with NIST 800 series, RMF, or equivalent security frameworks. Experience with satellite operations, telemetry processing, or spacecraft commanding systems. Familiarity with integrating AI/ML capabilities into operational systems. Track record scaling ground software products across multiple missions or customer deployments. Experience managing geographically distributed teams. Prior product management or product owner experience in technical domains. COMPENSATION Base Salary: $210,000-$360,000 Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Work Location —this role will be fully onsite at either our Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office locations. Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job. Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving. 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. True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us. #J-18808-Ljbffr