Design Authority - GCS Software

Design Authority - Ground Control Station (GCS) Software provides strategic and technical leadership for the architecture, design, integration, and lifecycle support of Ground Control Station (GCS) software solutions used in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems. This role ensures that all GCS software designs meet safety, security, functional, and operational requirements in accordance with military and civil aerospace standards, while aligning with the organization's product roadmap and system-level architecture.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority and final design approver for all software components related to GCS systems
• Own and manage the software architecture and design baselines for GCS, including HMI, mission planning, telemetry handling, communication interfaces, and payload integration
• Ensure compliance with airworthiness, cybersecurity, and system safety standards (e.g., DO-178C, MIL-STD 882, ISO 27001)
• Lead and review software design documentation, coding standards, technical assessments, and configuration management
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering, Flight Software, Hardware, and Test Engineering teams to ensure integrated system performance
• Evaluate third party vendors and COTS/MOTS products for integration into the GCS software environment
• Support certification and regulatory approval activities in collaboration with Quality and Compliance teams
• Provide technical mentorship to software engineering teams and promote best practices in Agile and Model Based Engineering
• Act as the primary technical interface for internal and external stakeholders on GCS software topics, including end users, regulators, and military customers
• Oversee problem resolution, design improvements, and change management throughout the product lifecycle
• Contribute to R&D initiatives, technology roadmap, and innovation strategies relevant to autonomous systems and GCS evolution

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems, or Autonomous Systems (preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems with a focus on GCS software development
• Proven experience in leading software teams or acting as a design authority, chief engineer, or principal engineer in mission critical systems
• Hands on experience with UAV command and control systems, real time operating systems, middleware frameworks, and telemetry/data protocols

Preferred Certifications

• DO 178C Certification Training
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or SAFe Agilist (SA)
• CISSP / CISM (for secure software environments)
• INCOSE CSEP or equivalent Systems Engineering credentials
• PMP or equivalent project/program delivery certification

Core Competencies Behavioral

• Strategic thinking and system level mindset
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• High attention to detail and ownership
• Adaptable and innovative leadership style
• Strong problem solving and analytical capabilities
• Collaborative and mentoring approach

Technical

• Proficient in C/C++, Python, Java
• Experience with Linux OS, RTOS (VxWorks, QNX)
• Familiarity with protocols: MAVLink, DDS, TCP/IP, MIL STD 1553, ARINC
• Skilled in software architecture modeling (SysML, UML, Enterprise Architect)
• CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab), version control (Git)
• Agile tools (JIRA, Confluence)
• Knowledge of Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) and cyber resilient software design

Seniority level

Mid Senior level

Employment type

Full time

Job function

Design

Industries

Defense and Space Manufacturing