Ground Software Manager – Launch Vehicles

Firefly Aerospace

Ground Software Manager leading teams in charge of developing software for launch operations at Firefly Aerospace. Managing technical architecture and fostering engineering excellence for mission-critical systems.

Posted 6/27/2026full-timeCedar Park • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

lead the Launch Vehicle Ground Software team supporting engine testing, vehicle integration, launch site operations, countdown, launch, and post-launch activities
own all aspects of team staffing including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, mentoring, career development, and performance management
establish technical vision and software architecture for Firefly's launch vehicle ground systems
guide development of service-oriented and distributed software architectures supporting mission-critical operations
oversee execution across software requirements, architecture, implementation, verification, validation, deployment, and operational support
coordinate software development supporting launch pads, test stands, hardware-in-the-loop environments, and integrated vehicle testing
partner with systems engineering to define operational concepts, software requirements, interfaces, verification strategies, and system architectures
ensure software systems provide reliable command, control, telemetry processing, automation, visualization, and health monitoring for launch vehicle operations
drive software deployment strategies across development, integration, test, and production operational environments
establish and maintain software engineering processes including architecture reviews, design reviews, configuration management, release management, verification, and operational readiness
travel to and support launch campaigns, major test events, anomaly investigations, mission rehearsals, and real-time launch operations
manage team staffing plans, technical roadmaps, and long-term capability investments
foster a culture focused on engineering excellence, operational reliability, safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline
10+ years of experience developing or delivering software for mission-critical, industrial control, aerospace, defense, robotics, launch vehicle, spacecraft, or other high-reliability systems
5+ years of experience leading technical engineering teams with direct management responsibilities
demonstrated experience delivering complex command-and-control software systems supporting hardware integration and operational environments
strong understanding of distributed software architectures, service-oriented systems, and modern software deployment models
experience working with real-time telemetry, command, automation, or control systems
experience integrating software with physical hardware including sensors, actuators, instrumentation, communications equipment, or RF systems
familiarity with LabVIEW, Python, or similar engineering software environments
demonstrated systems engineering experience translating operational needs into software architectures and technical execution plans
experience managing software development throughout the full system lifecycle including requirements, architecture, verification, validation, deployment, and operations
proven experience recruiting, mentoring, and developing engineering talent
excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts across engineering disciplines, customers, and executive leadership.

Benefits

Comp & perks

generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
parental leave
educational reimbursement
short term disability
flexible PTO options

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

software developmentsoftware architecturedistributed software architecturesservice-oriented systemscommand-and-control software systemsreal-time telemetryautomation systemsLabVIEWPythonsystems engineering

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringcommunicationcollaborationperformance managementcareer developmentengineering excellenceoperational reliabilitycontinuous improvementstaffing management

Certifications

BS in Computer ScienceBS in Software EngineeringBS in Aerospace EngineeringBS in Electrical EngineeringBS in Systems Engineering