Description
As the Software Group Lead, you will be the primary architect and execution lead for a cutting-edge missile interceptor system. This is a high-stakes executive role requiring a rare blend of low-latency embedded engineering and high-level Command & Control (C2) orchestration. You will be responsible for building a multi-disciplinary software team from the ground up, defining the software lifecycle, and ensuring the seamless integration of missile subassemblies with ground-based mission control.
We are looking for a "builder" mentality, capable of switching between high-level architectural strategy and driving end-to-end delivery from concept to field deployment.
Why Join Skapion?
This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of a defense-tech startup during its most exciting growth phase!
The SW Group Lead will report directly to the CTO and act as a member of the company's leadership.
Responsibilities
- Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performance team of embedded, full-stack, and GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) engineers.
- System Architecture: Design the end-to-end software stack, from real-time operating systems (RTOS) on the interceptor to the distributed microservices of the ground station.
- Execution & Integration: Oversee the development of flight software, sensor fusion algorithms, and secure communication protocols between the interceptor and C2.
- AI-Driven SDLC: Implement and champion the use of modern AI coding tools (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, etc.) across the entire software lifecycle to accelerate development cycles without compromising safety-critical standards.
- Strategic Oversight: Align software milestones with hardware integration, testing phases (HIL/SIL), and field trials.
- Key Interfaces: Works closely with Hardware Engineering leads (mechanical, electrical, GNC), Program Management, and Systems Engineering teams internally; externally interfaces with defense customers, government program offices, and key technology vendors.
Requirements
Embedded & Flight Systems
- Expertise in C/C++ for hard real-time environments.
- Deep experience with RTOS.
- Understanding of subcomponent algorithms and implementation in embedded HW.
- Hands-on experience with communication bus protocols: CAN bus, MIL-STD-1553, SPI, and Ethernet.
Ground Station & C2 (Command and Control)
- Architecture of distributed systems for mission monitoring and threat evaluation.
- Implementation of low-latency data visualization and geospatial situational awareness.
- Expertise in secure, jam-resistant RF data links and network protocols.
- Experience deploying distributed systems on containerized environments (Kubernetes, Docker) for scalable mission-critical workloads.
Modern AI & Software Tooling
- AI Mastery: Proven track record of adopting AI agentic tools to modernize legacy systems, document complex architectures, and create a rapid delivery environment.
- DevOps for Defense: Implementation of CI/CD pipelines tailored for embedded systems, including automated Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.
System-Level Integration
- Experience with Sensor Fusion (Radar, EO/IR, IMU) and target tracking.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks for defense-grade software (e.g., MISRA C/C++).
Qualifications
- Experience: 8+ years in software engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the aerospace, defense, or robotics sectors.
- Project History: Direct experience in the development of UAVs, missiles, or autonomous kinetic systems.
- Education: B.Sc./M.Sc. in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
