Approach Venture
Approach Venture | Advancing Frontier Tech with Top Talent
Head of Software – Powering Autonomous Orbital Systems!
Opportunity Summary
Join an innovative and investor-backed startup on a mission to redefine space operations with revolutionary autonomous spacecraft. As Head of Software, you will initially serve as the foundational individual contributor, taking full ownership of the flight software stack. This is a hands-on role where you will architect, build, and deploy mission-critical systems from the ground up. As the company grows, this position is designed to scale quickly into a leadership role, where you will build and lead the software team that powers our modular spacecraft platform. About Us
We are an ambitious and rapidly growing company pioneering modular and autonomous spacecraft systems designed for dynamic orbital operations. Our proprietary electromagnetic docking technology has already demonstrated success in orbit, positioning us as leaders in scalable and adaptable space solutions. Collaborating with leading commercial and governmental partners, our experienced team is dedicated to solving some of the most complex and critical challenges in aerospace today. Key Responsibilities
Take end-to-end ownership of the spacecraft flight software and supporting ground software stack. Architect, design, and implement robust, real-time flight software for timing, synchronization, and modular spacecraft control. Develop and optimize algorithms for communication, data handling, and autonomous operations. Establish and manage Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) and Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) testing frameworks. Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and mission teams to ensure seamless subsystem integration. Analyze mission and simulation data to refine and optimize system performance. Define best practices and software development standards to lay the foundation for future team growth. Transition into a leadership role by recruiting, mentoring, and managing additional engineers as the team scales. Qualifications
8+ years of professional experience in embedded or aerospace software development. Strong proficiency in C++ and Python, with a track record of building real-time, mission-critical systems. Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux environments. Deep understanding of communication protocols (SPI, I2C, Ethernet, CAN, RS422/RS485) and networking (UDP/TCP/IP). Strong software architecture and system integration skills; able to design for scalability from day one. Prior exposure to startup or early-stage environments where engineers wore multiple hats. Preferred Experience
Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. Experience with spacecraft operations, orbital maneuvering, or distributed autonomous systems. Familiarity with robotics frameworks (ROS2), SLAM, sensor fusion, or autonomous navigation. Knowledge of radar, LiDAR, RF-based localization, or GPS-denied environments. Why Join Us
Take hands-on ownership of the software that drives pioneering spacecraft missions. Be the foundational software hire with direct path into leadership. Work with a highly skilled founding team and play a defining role in company direction. Competitive compensation, equity opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. Flexible hybrid work model with significant autonomy and responsibility. Compensation
$160,000 – $210,000
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Head of Software – Powering Autonomous Orbital Systems!
Opportunity Summary
Join an innovative and investor-backed startup on a mission to redefine space operations with revolutionary autonomous spacecraft. As Head of Software, you will initially serve as the foundational individual contributor, taking full ownership of the flight software stack. This is a hands-on role where you will architect, build, and deploy mission-critical systems from the ground up. As the company grows, this position is designed to scale quickly into a leadership role, where you will build and lead the software team that powers our modular spacecraft platform. About Us
We are an ambitious and rapidly growing company pioneering modular and autonomous spacecraft systems designed for dynamic orbital operations. Our proprietary electromagnetic docking technology has already demonstrated success in orbit, positioning us as leaders in scalable and adaptable space solutions. Collaborating with leading commercial and governmental partners, our experienced team is dedicated to solving some of the most complex and critical challenges in aerospace today. Key Responsibilities
Take end-to-end ownership of the spacecraft flight software and supporting ground software stack. Architect, design, and implement robust, real-time flight software for timing, synchronization, and modular spacecraft control. Develop and optimize algorithms for communication, data handling, and autonomous operations. Establish and manage Hardware-In-The-Loop (HITL) and Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) testing frameworks. Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and mission teams to ensure seamless subsystem integration. Analyze mission and simulation data to refine and optimize system performance. Define best practices and software development standards to lay the foundation for future team growth. Transition into a leadership role by recruiting, mentoring, and managing additional engineers as the team scales. Qualifications
8+ years of professional experience in embedded or aerospace software development. Strong proficiency in C++ and Python, with a track record of building real-time, mission-critical systems. Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux environments. Deep understanding of communication protocols (SPI, I2C, Ethernet, CAN, RS422/RS485) and networking (UDP/TCP/IP). Strong software architecture and system integration skills; able to design for scalability from day one. Prior exposure to startup or early-stage environments where engineers wore multiple hats. Preferred Experience
Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. Experience with spacecraft operations, orbital maneuvering, or distributed autonomous systems. Familiarity with robotics frameworks (ROS2), SLAM, sensor fusion, or autonomous navigation. Knowledge of radar, LiDAR, RF-based localization, or GPS-denied environments. Why Join Us
Take hands-on ownership of the software that drives pioneering spacecraft missions. Be the foundational software hire with direct path into leadership. Work with a highly skilled founding team and play a defining role in company direction. Competitive compensation, equity opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. Flexible hybrid work model with significant autonomy and responsibility. Compensation
$160,000 – $210,000
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