Director Of Flight Software & Algorithms (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Director of Flight Software & Algorithms (Aerospace): Leading the development of core flight software, GNC algorithms, and safety-critical onboard systems for eVTOL aircraft with an accent on AI-native engineering and modern certification practices. Focus on driving technical strategy, scaling high-performing teams, and reinventing DO-178C processes to accelerate airworthiness and safety.

Location: Must be based in San Jose, California

Salary: $250,000 - $330,000

Company

An aerospace company building all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to advance sustainable air mobility.

What you will do

• Lead and grow the Flight Software & Algorithms organization, managing managers and senior technical leaders.
• Own the architecture, development, and verification of all flight-critical software from requirements to airworthiness.
• Drive the design of GNC algorithms, state estimation, and flight-control logic for novel eVTOL configurations.
• Champion AI-assisted development, model-based design, and automated traceability within a rigorous safety envelope.
• Partner with DevSecOps to implement code-to-flight CI/CD and automated verification tooling.
• Represent the organization in design reviews and certification discussions with regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in flight software, embedded systems, GNC, or autonomy for aerospace or autonomous vehicles.
• 5+ years of engineering leadership managing managers and senior technical leaders.
• Proven delivery of safety-critical, real-time embedded software.
• Deep command of control theory, estimation, navigation, and flight-control algorithms.
• Strong working knowledge of DO-178C, ARP4754A, and ARP4761.
• Must be authorized to work in the US; no visa sponsorship available.

Nice to have

• Experience with eVTOL, electric propulsion, or novel aircraft configurations.
• Demonstrated use of AI/ML or learning-based control in real systems.
• Experience with HIL testing, RTOS, and tool qualification (DO-330).
• Prior involvement in aircraft certification programs (DER/ODA interaction).

Culture & Benefits

• Focus on a pay-for-performance culture.
• Commitment to an equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, AI-native aerospace technology.
• Emphasis on technical excellence, honest debate, and extreme ownership.