Software Group Lead

About the Company: ESP 710 develops and manufactures cutting-edge loitering munitions and tactical reconnaissance drones at the forefront of defense technology.

About the Role: We are seeking an exceptional Software Group Lead to build, scale, and lead the software organization behind our next-generation of unmanned and autonomous defense systems. Reporting directly to the CTO / VP R&D, you will take end-to-end ownership of software delivery—from system architecture and development through integration, field testing, and operational deployment. This is NOT a pure management position. We are looking for a Builder, Leader, and Engineer—someone who can define system-level architecture, mentor a high-performance software team, drive modern AI-assisted engineering methodologies, and still go hands-on to solve the hardest technical challenges when required.

Responsibilities:

• Software Leadership & Team Building: Recruit, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary software team spanning Embedded, Autonomy, C2, and Mission Systems. Define coding standards, CI/CD pipelines, and engineering methodologies while fostering a high-tempo execution culture.

• System Architecture: Own the overall software architecture across airborne platforms, ground control systems (GCS/C2), flight software, sensors, communications, and payloads.

• Autonomy & Mission Systems: Drive the development and integration of capabilities such as GNSS-denied navigation, GNC, mission logic, Computer Vision/AI, Sensor Fusion, and target tracking.

• AI-Driven Engineering & Velocity: Lead the adoption of modern AI-assisted development tools (Agentic Engineering) and automated testing (SIL/HIL) to accelerate development velocity without compromising reliability.

• Execution (Code to Field): Drive integration with hardware, electronics, and RF systems; lead software readiness for field flight trials, client demonstrations, and operational deliveries.

Qualifications:

• Education: B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

• Experience: 7+ years of software engineering experience, with proven track record leading software engineers or multidisciplinary development teams.

Required Skills:

• Core Tech Stack: Strong C/C++/Python background with deep experience in embedded, real-time systems, and software interacting directly with physical hardware/sensors.

• Architecture & Systems Depth: Strong system-level thinking and architecture design capabilities for complex hardware-software platforms.

• Execution & Ownership: Demonstrated ability to take technology from concept/prototype through integration, field testing, and operational deployment.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong Advantages: Experience in UAV/UAS, robotics, autonomous systems, or defense/aerospace industries.

• Background in Flight Software, Autopilots, GNC, GNSS-denied navigation, Computer Vision/AI, or C2 systems.

• Proven track record delivering operational systems to defense customers.