Chief Software

Chief Software

Requirements

• Education or experience equivalent to a B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive software engineering experience, with strong expertise in computer vision AI (e.g., OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and proficiency in Python, C++, or JavaScript/TypeScript for control systems, IoT, or embedded software.
• Proven experience managing small, high-performing software or DevOps teams (3-10 members).
• Hands-on experience in designing, coding, and testing complex software systems, including AWS, Docker, or Kubernetes.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the software engineering strategy for Interstellar Lab’s biofarming platform, encompassing control systems, user interfaces, cloud infrastructure, data analytics, and computer vision AI.
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of scalable software solutions using Python, C++, JavaScript/TypeScript, Go, Java, and Bash to control biofarm operations (e.g., climate, irrigation, lighting).
• Lead the implementation of computer vision AI using OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras for real-time plant health monitoring, growth analysis, and automation (e.g., CNNs, YOLO, U-Net).
• Drive real-time control systems using ROS (Robot Operating System) and RTOS for time-critical applications, integrating with IoT protocols (e.g., MQTT, CoAP) and vision-based data.
• Oversee the development of user-facing web applications using Node.js and React to enable operators to monitor and manage biofarm systems, including visualized AI insights.
• Manage cloud infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines using AWS (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS), Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins, and GitHub Actions to support scalable AI and control systems.
• Ensure software reliability, security, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards, incorporating VPC, IAM, encryption, and cybersecurity practices for IoT and AI systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-On and Dynamic: Thrives in a fast-paced, startup environment with a passion for coding, prototyping, and iterative development using Python, C++, Go, or Bash.
• First-Principles Thinking: Approaches challenges with pragmatism, unafraid to rethink software and AI architectures for better performance and efficiency.
• Leadership in Startups: Comfortable navigating prototypical products/processes while guiding teams toward operational excellence.
• Technical Expertise: Strong expertise in computer vision AI, including OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, CNNs, YOLO, U-Net, CUDA, and ONNX for plant monitoring and automation.
• Proficiency in Node.js, React, ROS, Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions for software and infrastructure development.
• Experience with IoT protocols (e.g., MQTT, CoAP), embedded systems (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), and RTOS for real-time applications.
• Knowledge of AWS services (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS), Kubernetes, and SQL/NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK Stack for monitoring.
• Expertise in cybersecurity practices, VPC, IAM, and encryption for securing IoT, AI, and cloud systems.
• Complex Problem-Solving: Track record of solving intricate software, AI, and infrastructure challenges in agricultural or environmental control systems.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Exceptional ability to build partnerships with hardware engineers, plant scientists, and product teams.
• Mentorship: Passion for developing software, AI, and DevOps engineers, fostering a collaborative, innovative team culture.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with safety standards and regulatory requirements in agriculture, life sciences, or space systems.
• Communication Skills: Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills to align stakeholders and articulate technical strategies.
• Passion for Mission: Deep commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and enabling life in space.