Director of Mission Software - Clearwater, FL

Role Overview
This position leads the end-to-end development of mission-critical software platforms for autonomous systems operating in complex environments. The role sits at the center of engineering execution, combining software architecture ownership, system integration, and team leadership.
The selected candidate will be responsible for delivering scalable, secure, and deployable software systems that enable autonomous platforms to perceive, decide, and act in real-world operational conditions.

Key Responsibilities
Architecture & Platform Design

• Define and own the software architecture across:
  • Autonomy frameworks
  • Mission systems and control software
  • Operator interfaces
  • Distributed software services
• Ensure modular, scalable, and reusable designs across multiple platforms
• Establish architectural standards and governance

System Integration

• Collaborate closely with engineering leadership and technical teams
• Integrate software with:
  • Embedded systems
  • Sensor and perception systems
  • Communications infrastructure
  • Mechanical and electrical subsystems
• Ensure reliability and performance in field conditions

Engineering Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing software engineering team
• Implement engineering best practices, including:
  • Coding standards
  • Testing and validation strategies
  • CI/CD pipelines and deployment processes
• Drive cross-functional collaboration (AI, hardware, systems engineering)

Operational Deployment

• Ensure successful transition from development to deployment:
  • Field trials
  • Platform integration
  • Operational environments
• Establish feedback loops between field performance and engineering

Required Experience

• 10+ years in software engineering or related technical fields
• Proven leadership experience delivering complex technical systems
• Background in:
  • Autonomous systems, robotics, defense, aerospace, or similar environments
• Strong understanding of:
  • Distributed systems
  • Embedded systems
  • Real-time software architectures
• Experience with:
  • Sensor integration and data processing
  • Mission systems or command-and-control environments