Head of Software Engineering <> (Hands-On C++ / Real-Time Linux, Drone Systems)

About the Role

At Sightec, we develop real-time visual autonomy and navigation systems for UAVs operating in GPS-denied environments. Our software runs on edge processors and is deployed to customers worldwide across Defence and HLS sectors.

We are looking for a hands-on engineering leader to take ownership of our software architecture, engineering standards, and product robustness, while remaining deeply involved in development. 🎯

This role sits at the core of our product. You will work closely with algorithm, integration, and application teams to ensure that advanced computer vision capabilities are translated into stable, production-ready systems that perform reliably in real-world environments.

You will help shape software that must operate under tight compute limits, real-time constraints, and field conditions where failure is not theoretical.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and mentor a small software team (SW, QA, DevOps, up to 5 people)

• Stay actively involved in modern C++ development on Linux-based edge systems

• Own architectural decisions and long-term technical direction

• Drive system-level performance, stability, and robustness under real-world constraints

• Strengthen CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows for embedded systems

• Improve engineering processes and development discipline while maintaining agility

• Collaborate closely with algorithm engineers to integrate and productize real-time vision capabilities

• Support field deployment and production at scale 🌍

• Implement LLM-assisted coding tools to enhance and scale team productivity

What We’re Looking For

• Strong hands-on C++ development on Linux-based edge processors such as NVIDIA Jetson

• Background in real-time or performance-critical systems

• Deep understanding of multithreading, synchronization, scheduling, and memory behavior

• Proven ability to debug complex production issues

• Track record of delivering production-ready systems

• Led 4 to 10 engineers in a hands-on capacity

• Built or improved engineering practices in growing teams

Advantages

• UAV or drone systems background 🚁

• Integration of LLM-assisted coding tools such as ClaudeCode into structured product lifecycles

• Computer vision application development

• System-level performance optimization and debugging

• Work in small to mid-sized product companies

The Environment

We are a small, focused engineering team building systems that operate far beyond the lab. Our work reaches real customers, in real missions, under real constraints.

This role is well suited for someone who enjoys combining deep technical work with leadership and who is motivated by ownership, responsibility, and visible impact ✨

At Sightec, engineers are close to the product, close to decisions, and close to the results of their work.

We build camera-based situational awareness and GPS-free navigation solutions for drones and UAVs operating in complex environments.

We value technical depth, thoughtful engineering, and people who take pride in delivering reliable systems that work where it truly matters.

Please send your CV through our website or directly to:

[email protected]

Only relevant applications will be answered.