Head of Software Engineering and Operations, Constellation Operations
Head of Software Engineering and Operations, Constellation Operations

Head of Software Engineering and Operations, Constellation Operations

Glasgow Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead software engineering and operations for space-based applications, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
  • Company: Spire Global is a pioneering space-to-cloud analytics company with the largest satellite constellation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, generous time off, education assistance, fitness reimbursement, and more perks.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team that impacts life on Earth through innovative space data solutions.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in engineering and leadership, experience with multiple programming languages, and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Work in a diverse, equal opportunity environment with a focus on employee well-being.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Spire’s Constellation Operations group develops the interfaces used by our customers to design, test, deploy and operate space-based software applications. In some cases these applications run on standard Spire hardware, and in some cases on hosted payloads custom-designed by us or our customers. This role reports directly to the CTO.

As the Head of Software Engineering and Operations for Spire's Constellation Operations group, you’ll drive the development and execution of the roadmap across:

  • Application Services: application development, testing, deployment, tasking and operations
  • Satellite Manufacturing and SRE-style Operations
  • Infrastructure for cloud and big data

Your duties will include driving engineering excellence and delivery across these business critical domains. You will interface with the technical leads, Chief Software Engineer, and our technical program managers to develop elegant technical solutions to customer needs together with your team of developers distributed between Europe and the US. You will make sure the technical vision is implemented on time and on quality. This includes supporting the bottom up ideation, creation, and curation of technical proposals that is core to Spire’s culture.

Basic qualifications:

  • 5 years of experience in engineering as an individual contributor.
  • 5 years leading engineering teams.
  • Professional experience working in at least one interpreted language.
  • Professional experience working in at least one compiled language.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels, from technical IC to C-level exec both internally and externally.
  • Experience developing software for resource constrained environments like embedded ARM devices.
  • Experience writing Python.
  • Experience writing Rust.
  • Previous experience running a team delivering an API-based product or product family.
  • Experience with Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and debugging operational application issues.
  • In-depth knowledge of API design principles and best practices, caching strategies, and designing for resiliency and scalability.
  • Strong relational and non-relational database skills.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in office. Access to US export controlled software and/or technology may also be required.

Global Perks:

  • Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
  • Launch Attendance
  • Generous Time Off Policy
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
  • Family Leave
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire: We improve life on Earth with data from space. Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

Head of Software Engineering and Operations, Constellation Operations employer: Spire

At Spire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration across our global teams. As the Head of Software Engineering and Operations, you'll benefit from generous time off, education assistance, and a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to improving life on Earth through cutting-edge space technology.
S

Contact Detail:

Spire Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering and Operations, Constellation Operations

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Spire's Constellation Operations and their specific technologies. Understanding the nuances of satellite software applications and the challenges they face will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Spire, especially those in engineering roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've driven engineering excellence in past roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed teams and delivered successful projects, particularly in API-based environments.

✨Tip Number 4

Brush up on your knowledge of cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. Being able to demonstrate your technical expertise in these areas will set you apart as a strong candidate for this role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering and Operations, Constellation Operations

Leadership Skills
Software Development
Application Development
Cloud Infrastructure Management
Big Data Technologies
API Design Principles
Python Programming
Rust Programming
Kubernetes
CI/CD Pipelines
Debugging Skills
Relational Database Management
Non-relational Database Management
Communication Skills
Technical Proposal Development
Team Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Management
Agile Methodologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software engineering and operations. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific projects that align with Spire's focus on application services and satellite manufacturing.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for space technology and how your skills can contribute to Spire's mission. Mention your experience with API-based products and your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in programming languages such as Python and Rust, as well as your experience with Kubernetes and CI/CD pipelines. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles.

Highlight Team Leadership Experience: Detail your experience leading engineering teams, focusing on how you have driven engineering excellence and delivery. Include any specific achievements or improvements you implemented that benefited your team or project outcomes.

How to prepare for a job interview at Spire

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As the Head of Software Engineering and Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of both interpreted and compiled languages. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Python and Rust, as well as any projects you've led that involved API-based products.

✨Communicate Effectively

This role requires excellent communication skills at all levels. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, as you will be interfacing with both technical leads and C-level executives.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

With a requirement of leading engineering teams, be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven engineering excellence and delivery in previous roles. Discuss your approach to team management and how you foster collaboration among distributed teams.

✨Understand the Business Context

Familiarise yourself with Spire's mission and the Constellation Operations group. Be prepared to discuss how your technical vision aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to improving life on Earth with data from space.

Head of Software Engineering and Operations, Constellation Operations
Spire
S
  • Head of Software Engineering and Operations, Constellation Operations

    Glasgow
    Full-Time
    72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-19

  • S

    Spire

Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>