VP of Software

VP of Software

Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)

Outpost is pioneering Earth return logistics for space. We're building vehicles that can return payloads from orbit safely and precisely enabling faster space-based manufacturing, global delivery, and entirely new capabilities in the space economy. Our spacecraft is already backed by the U.S. government with multiple missions ahead. We're a mission-focused team, building with urgency, grit, and care for the work we do and the people we do it with.

The Team

We're looking for a visionary and execution-oriented Vice President of Software to own the full software function at Outpost. This is a foundational leadership role responsible for building, scaling, and directing all software efforts from flight software to ground systems and infrastructure. You'll lead the high-level strategy, architecture, and execution of Outpost's software organization. You'll report directly to our CTO and work closely with company leadership across avionics, GN&C, and integration and test.

Responsibilities:

• Own Outpost's software strategy and roadmap, from flight software to ground systems
• Build and scale a high-performing software engineering organization
• Drive architecture decisions balancing reliability, performance, and speed of iteration
• Partner closely with avionics, GN&C, and AI&T teams on software integration
• Establish software development best practices, testing, and release processes
• Collaborate with executive leadership on technical strategy and prioritization
• Drive metrics and reporting to track software delivery and system reliability
• Build and lead a high-performing software team as we scale

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree of higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science or related field
• 12+ years of software engineering experience, with 5+ years in executive leadership roles
• Proven success leading software teams at high-growth technology or aerospace companies
• Deep experience across flight software, ground software, and infrastructure
• Exceptional technical and strategic instincts, with strong architecture judgment
• Experience managing engineering teams and driving software development processes
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with an ability to inspire teams and align stakeholders
• Passion for frontier technology, space, and building something from the ground up

Preferred Experience

• Background in aerospace, launch vehicles, or spacecraft software
• Experience with flight-critical or safety-critical software systems
• Startup experience or familiarity with fast-paced, high-growth environments

Compensation:

• Competitive compensation: $275,000 – $325,000; (commensurate with experience).
• Additional Compensation:  Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
• Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental. 
• Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
• PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
• Invest in your future: 401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
• Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
• Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
• Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
• Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S.