Full-Time
Director of Software Engineering
Posted on 7/28/2025
Orbital Sidekick
11-50 employees
Provides near real-time hyperspectral Earth imaging
Compensation Overview
$175k - $200k/yr
San Francisco, CA, USA
Hybrid
US Top Secret Clearance Required
 Software Engineering (2) |
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- 10+ years of hands-on software engineering experience, with demonstrated progression into technical leadership roles. BS in Computer Science or equivalent.
- Extensive knowledge of GDAL, Rasterio, xarray, and other code libraries for handling raster data
- Experience with OGC APIs, STAC, STAPI, or similar open source geospatial technologies
- Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and provide clarity and direction in uncertain or rapidly evolving situations.
- Expert-level proficiency in Python with hands-on experience building data pipelines, APIs, and infrastructure.
- Comfortable working with AWS technologies including CDK, Lambda, S3, ECS, and RDS, as well as frameworks and tools such as Django and Terraform.
- Experience building and operating customer-facing APIs, data processing systems, and platform services.
- Strong background in Agile/Scrum software development with direct accountability for Jira workflows and engineering process health.
- Ability to operate effectively in both IC and leadership capacities within a small, dynamic team.
- Expertise in geospatial platforms and familiarity with hyperspectral data, satellite imagery, or remote sensing technologies.
- Design, develop, and maintain core systems across SIGMA (platform, APIs, customer delivery) and the Data Pipeline (imagery processing, derived analytics).
- Write production-quality code, with a strong focus on Python for pipeline and platform development.
- Supports a team to deliver advanced geospatial products that are robust, scalable, and secure with a focus on data flows, APIs, infrastructure, and observability.
- Own and operate OSK’s Jira Agile/Scrum process including backlog management, sprint planning, reporting, and delivery cadence.
- Ensure excellence in system reliability, security, scalability, and maintainability.
- Contribute directly to codebases, technical documentation, and architectural decisions.
- Lead and mentor a small and growing SWE team of engineering managers (1) and engineers (8).
- Set and reinforce technical direction, architectural standards, and operational best practices.
- Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with Product, Analytics, and Operations teams to align objectives and delivery.
- Support hiring, career growth, and a high-performing engineering culture.
- Background in aerospace, defense, or intelligence-focused environments.
- Prior experience in a growth-stage startup or small technology company.
Orbital Sidekick operates a constellation of satellites that perform hyperspectral imaging to monitor Earth's surface and deliver detailed spectral data. The data is processed with artificial intelligence and machine learning, turning raw spectra into near real-time geospatial insights for tasks like environmental monitoring, resource management, and security operations. Its approach combines space-based hyperspectral sensing with advanced AI to produce timely, decision-ready intelligence at a global scale, including early detection of environmental incidents. The company aims to advance space technology and support sustainable development by improving environmental stewardship, resource management, and informed decision-making for governments and enterprises.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Early VC
Total Funding
$45.3M
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Founded
2016
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Suhora partnership integrates GHOSt data into SPADE for India market.
- Corning sensors monitored 124,000 pipeline miles in 2024.
- Spectral Evolution validated Urea signatures in fall 2025.
What critics are saying
- Corning scales hyperspectral sensors to rival OSK constellations within 12-24 months.
- NRO shifts to Maxar or Planet, cutting OSK defense revenue in 6-12 months.
- US export controls block Suhora India deal in 3-6 months.
What makes Orbital Sidekick unique
- GHOSt satellites capture 472 spectral bands at 8m resolution for material detection.
- AI processes hyperspectral data to detect pipeline methane leaks in hours.
- NRO selected OSK in 2023 for commercial hyperspectral study.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Flexible Work Hours
Commuter Benefits
Phone/Internet Stipend
Learning and Development Opportunities
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 14%1 year growth
↑ 14%2 year growth
↑ 20%Suhora Technologies, an India-based space data analytics company, has announced a strategic partnership with US-based Orbital Sidekick (OSK) to introduce high-resolution hyperspectral satellite services to the Indian market.
In an investigation sponsored by the ISS National Lab, Orbital Sidekick launched its sensor- Hyperspectral Earth Imaging System Trial (HEIST)-to station, where it was installed on the Nanoracks External Platform (NREP), which is mounted to the exterior of the orbiting laboratory.
Stagwell acquire Sidekick.
Orbital Sidekick launched its third GHOSt satellite last month on a SpaceX Falcon 9.
Orbital Sidekick (OSK), the global leader in space-based hyperspectral intelligence, today announced the successful launch of GHOSt 1 and 2, the first satellites in its planned GHOSt(™) (Global Hyperspectral Observation Satellite) constellation, aboard the Transporter 7 rideshare mission on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.