Software Manager Jobs in Georgetown, TX (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the Launch Vehicles Ground Software Manager, you will lead the team responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and operating the software systems that enable Firefly's launch vehicles test and launch operations.
Responsibilities:
• 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.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 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.
Preferred:
• Experience with launch vehicle, spacecraft, missile, aviation, or other aerospace ground systems.
• Experience developing or managing software used for launch operations, mission operations, or large-scale industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with service-oriented architectures, microservices, containerization, and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience applying model-based or specification-driven engineering approaches, including the use of AI to translate system requirements into software artifacts, test cases, and implementation guidance.
• Experience with cloud infrastructure including AWS.
• Experience with high-volume telemetry systems, messaging architectures, or time-series databases.
• Experience with networking, cybersecurity, identity management, and secure deployment of operational systems.
• Experience supporting operational readiness reviews, launch campaigns, or real-time engineering support.
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
• Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
Company:
Firefly Aerospace is a space company that develops and operates launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for commercial mission. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Cedar Park, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.