Picogrid

Picogrid

Head of Software

El Segundo, CA · Director

No sponsorship$53k-$800kDetected 44 days ago
PythonGoDistributed SystemsPostgreSQLGraphQLRESTgRPCData EngineeringCybersecurityProduct ManagementEmbedded SystemsControlsLeadershipCommunicationCollaboration

About the role

  • As the Head of Software at Picogrid, you will be the foundational people leader responsible for scaling our software engineering team.
  • This is a highly demanding, hands-on role for a true generalist and leader ready to grow a world-class software department.
  • You will set the team structure and hiring goals across teams that handle backend platforms, real-time geospatial UIs, hardware-software integration, and operator-facing command-and-control systems.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the team's growth, people management, and strategic planning across all layers of the Picogrid software stack.
  • Collaborate with the CTO, the Lead Software Engineer, Product Owners, and Engineering Managers to produce plans and strategy to handle the product and customer development goals.
  • Act as the primary interface between Software Engineering and all other functions (Go-To-Market, Hardware, and Operations) ensuring software delivers real operational impact for users in the field.
  • As the founding leader of the Software Engineering Department, you will hire, mentor, and build a high-performing team of engineers across backend, frontend, and platform disciplines.
  • Successfully grow a fully operational Software Engineering Department, deliver the next generation of our platform and operator products, and establish the technical infrastructure for long-term mission success.
  • Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world.
  • You won't just manage, you will architect, build, and ship alongside your team.
  • Work with hardworking, ambitious, world-leading talent to build the future of unmanned system behavior orchestration.

Requirements

  • Meaningful experience leading both backend platform work and frontend/UI development for complex, data-intensive applications.
  • Proven experience taking multiple distinct products through the full development lifecycle, from initial architecture to production at scale.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with a clear ability to translate technical strategy into product outcomes and articulate it to executive leadership.

Nice to have

  • Experience as a former founder or founding engineer at a successful, fast-moving software company, with a track record of standing up a team or discipline from zero.
  • Exposure to DOD IL5+, Top Secret, or JWICS environments
  • understanding of DOD RMF, FedRAMP, or NIST 800-53.
  • Background in real-time, geospatial, or hardware-adjacent software (e.g., embedded systems, edge compute, fleet management, control systems).
  • A track record of being prolific and delivering rapid, high-quality results in resource-constrained, fast-paced environments.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field. (Degree not required.)
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)

Compensation

  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
  • Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
  • Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
  • Free EV charging at HQ
  • Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer

Benefits

  • Significant stock options with high potential upside as an early-stage company
  • Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
  • Paid parental leave for both parents

Company info

  • Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security.
  • Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.
  • Represent the company in external conversations with strategic partners and customers.

Equal opportunity

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
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This listing is sourced directly from Picogrid's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.