VP of Software

About the role

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.