Software Development Manager
ThinKom is hiring a Software Development Manager in Hawthorne, CA to lead embedded Linux software development for RFSoC-based antenna systems used in in-flight connectivity and defense SATCOM. The role blends people management, architecture/code review, program planning, and hands-on debugging with FPGA and hardware teams.
- Compensation
- $140K–$200K / yr
- Location
- Hawthorne, California, United States
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Category
- Not specified
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years managing software engineering projects or teams, including priorities, schedules, and cross-functional delivery
- Substantial hands-on experience designing, developing, testing, and debugging production embedded software on Linux
- Proven ability to guide software architecture, conduct code reviews, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and assess implementation quality
- Proficiency with source control, code review, automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and software configuration/release management
- Experience developing software test plans and procedures aligned with system-level integration and verification
- Experience applying Agile development practices (sprint planning, retrospectives) adapted to program milestones
- Track record defining software requirements/interfaces, building credible estimates/plans, and managing change with stakeholders
- Experience coaching engineers, delivering performance feedback, and fostering technical growth
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including presenting in design reviews to peers, suppliers, and customers
- Strong problem-solving and reasoning skills, including decomposing complex problems
- Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US DoD Security Clearance
Nice to have
- Experience developing embedded/Linux software integrated with physical hardware, network interfaces, or third-party equipment
- Background in satellite communications, antenna systems, controls, or complex hardware/software products
- Experience with automated regression testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, and root-cause analysis of field/operational anomalies
- Familiarity with RFSoC architectures and FPGA development workflows, including software/programmable logic integration
Full description
Build the Future of High-Performance Connectivity
At ThinKom, we don’t just build antennas - we design high-performance, next-generation mechanical systems that connect the world across air, land, sea, and space. From Inflight Connectivity (IFC) to High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems to Defense SATCOM, our technology operates in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
ThinKom designs high-performance antenna systems for commercial in-flight connectivity, ground stations and gateway arrays, land-mobile terminals, and special-mission aircraft. Our products operate in demanding environments where reliable software and integration with RF, controls, and hardware are essential.
POSITION SUMMARY
We’re looking for a Software Development Manager who to guide embedded software development for Linux-based applications running on RF system-on-chip (RFSoC) platforms and interfacing with FPGA logic. You will manage delivery across multiple programs and bring the technical judgment to guide architecture, evaluate code quality, and build realistic development plans. You will own the software roadmap and use program performance and workload forecasts to determine staffing needs. You will work with senior and principal engineers, FPGA developers, and hardware teams to resolve integration risks. You must be able to review code and contribute directly to development or debugging when needed.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Software Delivery: Own software engineering execution across assigned programs. Set priorities, assign work, manage dependencies, and maintain clear commitments for scope, resources, and delivery dates.
- Architecture and Technical Reviews: Guide embedded Linux software architecture with senior and principal engineers. Evaluate software interfaces to RFSoC and FPGA hardware, including timing, data throughput, and resource constraints. Challenge assumptions and ensure decisions are documented and consistent with system requirements.
- People Management: Meet regularly with staff to provide coaching, assess performance, and support development. Recruit and onboard engineers, and address performance or capability gaps.
- Engineering Direction: Contribute to software engineering policies and technical roadmaps. Promote reusable designs and consistent practices across programs where appropriate.
- Code Quality and Developer Testing: Establish and enforce standards for code reviews, unit and integration testing, continuous integration, and release quality gates. Participate in reviews and hold engineers accountable for resolving findings.
- Requirements and Integration: Work with Systems, RF, Controls, FPGA, and hardware engineering to define software requirements and hardware/software interfaces. Coordinate software and FPGA development dependencies, integration sequencing, and interface changes before committing the team.