Head of Software

Job Description

Job Description

Full time | On-site | San Francisco, CA

This aerospace startup is revolutionizing the skies by developing high-altitude, solar-powered UAVs designed for real-time next-gen communication capabilities. With ambitions to surpass traditional satellite and ground-based technologies, the team is pioneering a new era of connectivity - one that will redefine global communications and access for underserved regions.

Their vision is to become a trailblazer in solar-powered aviation, reshaping the future of autonomous UAVs and setting a new standard for how the world connects from above. 

This company has a powerhouse team and the network/tech to surpass competitors.

About the Role

The software foundation is still being laid, and you’ll own it end to end: the architecture, a meaningful share of the code, and the team that builds the rest. The scope covers the whole system, from what runs on the aircraft to the payload that talks to phones to the ground systems that will fly a fleet.

What You'll Own

• End-to-end software architecture and hands-on implementation spanning vehicle flight software and autonomy, communications payload control, and ground/mission systems

• Building the software organization: recruiting exceptional engineers, mentoring, setting technical culture, and establishing development processes

• Ground systems including mission control, telemetry and command, network orchestration, and operations tooling

• Deep cross-functional collaboration with mechanical, aero, electrical, communications, test, and manufacturing teams to drive system integration

• Rapid prototyping of critical systems while evolving them toward production reliability for long-endurance operations

What We're Looking For

• Experience architecting and delivering software for complex physical systems (aerospace, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or cloud-based distributed systems preferred)

• Ability to operate effectively at both system-architecture and detailed hands-on implementation levels

• Proven track record recruiting, leading, and mentoring high-performing software teams in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

• First-principles problem-solving with a strong bias for action and early-stage prototyping that scales into robust, long-endurance systems

• Familiarity with real-time/embedded systems, distributed systems, or high-reliability software practices

• Excitement for the unique challenges of stratospheric platforms and the chance to redefine mobile connectivity

*The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

Logistical Requirements

Full time, on-site at the Bay Area headquarters

Join a powerhouse team of brilliant builders
Work with a small, seriously technical crew led by people with a star-studded history of Silicon Valley wins.

Competitive startup salary
Be paid well to do the most energizing work of your career.

Ground-floor equity
Own meaningful upside from day one. This is your chance to shape the company’s trajectory and participate fully in the value you help create.

Excellent health insurance
Enjoy strong medical coverage for employees so you can stay healthy while pushing boundaries.

Dog-friendly office with Bay views
Bring your pup and enjoy a beautiful workspace with panoramic water views that spark creativity and joy.

Equal Opportunity

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to 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.

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Space, Energy, Defense, Biotech, and embodied AI sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world's leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it's all because of trailblazing talent like you, those driven to do what's never been done before.

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn't a perfect fit, it's likely we'll have something relevant to share with you in the future.

Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!

CEO, Seyka Mejeur | LinkedIn profile
CTO / COO, Brian Mejeur | LinkedIn profile
AdAstra Talent Advisors | LinkedIn profile
AdAstra Website