Team Lead - Flight Software - Electron

The Electron Flight Software team sits within our GNC department. The team's software operates launch vehicle and spacecraft avionics during launch and on orbit, collects and distributes telemetry and commands, and hosts our guidance, navigation, and control software and algorithms. It's all developed in house, so t...

As Team Lead - Electron Flight Software, you'll lead a team of five engineers who create, maintain, and support software for the Electron launch vehicle, the Photon spacecraft, and the associated ground communication systems. You'll report to the Director of Electron Engineering and be based at our Auckland Producti...

Set and manage the long-term objectives for Electron flight software, and be accountable for delivering high-quality flight software on time

The Electron Flight Software team sits within our GNC department. The team's software operates launch vehicle and spacecraft avionics during launch and on orbit, collects and distributes telemetry and commands, and hosts our guidance, navigation, and control software and algorithms. It's all developed in house, so the people who write it also see it fly.
As Team Lead - Electron Flight Software, you'll lead a team of five engineers who create, maintain, and support software for the Electron launch vehicle, the Photon spacecraft, and the associated ground communication systems. You'll report to the Director of Electron Engineering and be based at our Auckland Production Complex. This is a hands on leadership role. You'll set the long-term direction for Electron flight software, develop your team, and make decisions that prioritise the reliability and efficiency of the vehicle, while still writing and reviewing code yourself.
Lead software development for launch vehicle and spacecraft avionics embedded computers, ground segment communications, and avionics simulations, including hardware-in-the-loop
Approve software requirements, architecture designs, and definition of ready for backlog items
Write code and unit tests, review merge requests, and document how the team's software products operate
Continually reduce software-related risk to the vehicle and the business, making risk/reward trade-off calls with input from quality, senior engineering, and production
Run trade studies and work through complex technical problems where the standard approach won't work
Identify risks early and change course when needed to keep development on track
Lead a team of five flight software engineers and run stand-ups, architecture meetings, and stakeholder meetings that stay focused and useful
Recruit and retain talent within the team
Keep the wider business informed on status and blockers, and work across teams to clear them
Put forward plans for new ways of working, new equipment, and improved processes
Develop your direct reports through regular 1:1s, performance reviews, goal setting, and ongoing two-way feedback
Create and approve training packages, deliver training on software products, and coach engineers on the job
Act as deputy for the Director when required, with minimal supervision

Bachelor's degree or higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering, or a demonstrated equivalent level of knowledge
5+ years of experience in a software engineering related discipline
Leadership experience in a software team with critical deliverables
Strong C/C++ development skills
Embedded software development experience
Linux application development experience
Networked application development experience
Experience with Git and Jira, or another issue tracker
Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain technical topics to people with less experience in the field
Linux kernel development
Experience with Scrum methodologies
FPGA development
Python
Ownership mentality with the ability to drive tasks and projects to completion independently
Thrive in ambiguous, fast-changing environments where requirements evolve rapidly
Balance speed with quality, moving quickly while maintaining appropriate rigour
No task is beneath you. Roll up your sleeves and do what's needed for mission success
Bias for action. Get hands on with code, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and flight data to get results early
Domestic and international travel may be required

Lead the team that writes the software Electron flies on. Apply now.
WHAT TO EXPECT 
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO