Head of Software Department

A leading defense technology company is developing and manufacturing advanced electro-optical and precision motion control systems for surveillance, defense, and homeland security applications.

The company’s products include advanced EO/IR systems, stabilized observation payloads, thermal imaging solutions, automatic detection systems, and long-range observation technologies used across airborne, maritime, coastal, land, and sensitive-site protection environments.

This is a senior strategic leadership role with broad impact on the company’s core products and next-generation EO/IR systems. The role combines software strategy, architecture, multidisciplinary leadership, and the integration of advanced Computer Vision and AI technologies into complex operational products.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technological strategy of the software department in alignment with company goals and product roadmap.

• Define and drive the software vision, software roadmap, architecture direction, and long-term technology strategy.

• Manage and lead Software and QA teams, including direct management of approximately 20 developers and 3 team leaders.

• Lead software architecture for complex Real-Time Embedded systems, with a focus on modularity, scalability, and advanced infrastructure development.

• Oversee development of software for multidisciplinary EO/IR systems involving embedded software, hardware, algorithms, Computer Vision, and AI.

• Work closely with hardware, system engineering, algorithms, CV/AI, product, and project teams.

• Lead Agile, CI/CD, DevOps, test automation, and software quality improvement processes.

• Drive organizational and engineering process changes in a complex development environment.

• Interface with senior management, strategic customers, and international technology partners.

Required Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field from a leading academic institution

• At least 8 years of experience in software development

• At least 5 years of experience managing a department or several development groups, including management of managers, in a complex technological environment

• Significant experience with C++ development and software architecture for complex Embedded Linux / RTOS systems

• Proven experience working in a multidisciplinary environment involving Software, Hardware, and Algorithms

• Experience leading DevOps processes, test automation, and software quality improvement initiatives

• Experience leading organizational changes and advanced engineering workflows in a complex R&D environment.

• Strong leadership capabilities, system-level thinking, strategic mindset, and high technical ownership.

JOB NO. 500311