Head of Software

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between Earth and space. Satellites are only as powerful as the ground systems that connect to them - without that critical infrastructure, they can’t be steered or send their data back to Earth. Northwood’s global ground network ensures that missions ranging from national security, to global connectivity, to disaster response can unlock their full potential and operate every day without fail. We take a vertically integrated approach to building an end-to-end ground system, delivering technology that is scalable and reliable for both government and commercial customers. Backed by over $100M from investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Washington Harbour Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, Founders Fund, and others, Northwood has proven its ability to move fast – we’ve stood up a fully operational site in Australia in just 3 months, where similar efforts typically take years. Northwood is rapidly scaling its global footprint, with 30+ sites planned across 2026 and 2027. We’re building and deploying infrastructure at a pace the industry hasn’t seen before. If you thrive on building quickly, solving hard problems, and seeing your work deployed globally on critical missions, we want you at Northwood. HEAD OF SOFTWARE As Head of Software, you will be responsible for executing Northwood’s digital roadmap to connect Earth and space. You will own and integrate Northwood’s core backend software, infrastructure, networking, and embedded systems, spanning cloud services, ground systems, and low-level software running close to the hardware. This is a player-coach role: you set technical direction, lead execution, and stay hands-on to ensure mission-critical systems are delivered reliably and on aggressive timelines. RESPONSIBILITIES: - Own the architecture and technical direction of Northwood’s core software stack, including backend APIs, infrastructure and networking - Plan, prioritize, and execute complex, cross-functional software projects in close collaboration with hardware and operations teams - Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing software team across backend and infrastructure domains - Build and maintain strong engineering foundations, including tooling, CI/CD, deployment, and operational processes - Ensure systems are scalable, reliable, secure, and observable in production - Stay hands-on as needed to design, debug, and deliver critical systems BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: - 7–10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including ownership of production systems - Demonstrated experience leading teams and delivering complex, mission-critical software - Strong background across backend systems and infrastructure PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Startup experience - Aerospace or mission-critical systems experience - Experience with Linux internals, networking, or distributed systems - Experience with C/C++ or rust - Background in embedded engineering and leading teams within that domain COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. You may also be eligible for equity in the form of stock options or other long-term incentives, as well as potential performance bonuses. We offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and various other perks and discounts. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Northwood is an Equal Opp