Cowboy Space – Head of Compute Software

Official Role Description: Cowboy Space

Head of Compute SoftwareAbout Cowboy Space Corp.:Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to powering on-orbit compute, to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.About the role:We are looking for a Head of Compute Software to lead the architecture, development, and deployment of the software systems that power our space-based compute platforms.This role will own the end-to-end software strategy for onboard compute systems, including real-time control, distributed processing, and high-bandwidth data handling in orbit. You will define and build resilient, high-performance software that operates under strict latency, power, and reliability constraints.You will work closely with hardware, spacecraft, and mission teams to ensure seamless integration between software and the underlying compute platforms. This is a critical leadership role with significant ownership over system architecture, team building, and execution.Responsibilities:Define the technical vision and roadmap for onboard compute software across spacecraft platformsLead the design and development of real-time, distributed, and fault-tolerant software systems for space environmentsOwn system architecture across operating systems, middleware, networking, and application layersBuild and lead a team of software engineers, setting technical direction, development standards, and execution velocityDrive end-to-end software development from architecture and prototyping through deployment and in-orbit operationsCollaborate cross-functionally with hardware, GNC, RF, and spacecraft teams to ensure tight hardware/software integrationDevelop systems for real-time control, autonomy, and high-throughput data processing onboard satellitesOptimize software for performance, reliability, and efficiency within constrained compute, power, and thermal environmentsEstablish robust testing, simulation, and validation frameworks (including hardware-in-the-loop and mission simulation)Guide build vs. buy decisions, tooling, and infrastructure for onboard and ground software systemsParticipate in system-level trade studies balancing performance, latency, reliability, and resource constraintsRepresent compute software in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and executive-level discussionsBasic Qualifications:10+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on distributed systems, embedded systems, or high-performance computingBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related fieldExperience designing and shipping complex software systems (e.g., distributed platforms, embedded systems, or real-time systems)Strong background in one or more of the following:Distributed systems or cloud/edge computingEmbedded systems or avionics softwareHigh-performance computing (HPC) or data processing systemsReal-time or low-latency systemsExperience leading technical projects or teams with increasing scope and ownershipStrong understanding of system architecture and hardware/software co-designPreferred Qualifications:Experience building software for aerospace, satellite systems, or other mission-critical environments (e.g., aviation, defense, autonomous systems)Background in edge computing or distributed systems operating in constrained, disconnected, or high-latency environmentsFamiliarity with operating systems, resource management, and performance optimization under strict hardware and power constraintsExperience designing or operating systems that must be highly reliable in failure-prone environments (e.g., intermittent connectivity, partial system failures, degraded modes)Experience with real-time or near real-time distributed systems, including scheduling, orchestration, and low-latency processingBackground in networking systems, including handling unreliable links, custom protocols, or high-latency communication environmentsExperience building platform or infrastructure layers that support higher-level applications (e.g., compute platforms, internal developer platforms, orchestration systems)Proven ability to build or scale systems from 0→1 in ambiguous, fast-moving environmentsExperience working cross-functionally with hardware, embedded, or avionics teams to co-design tightly integrated systemsPrior experience in high-growth startups or deeply technical organizations where speed and ownership are criticalStrong intuition for making tradeoffs between performance, reliability, and development velocity in novel environmentsCompensation and Benefits:The salary range for this position is $200,000 – $285,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement savings planPaid time off10 paid holidays per calendar yearPaid parental leaveRelocation assistance if applicableDaily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacksITAR RequirementsExport Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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. Learn more about ITAR here.DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.