Head of software – mission systems & autonomous platforms

Head of software – mission systems & autonomous platforms

Olinext develops modular platforms for multi-threat sensors, unmanned systems, command centers, and field operators, specializing in CBRNe defence.

As NATO and European frameworks increasingly require interoperability across domains, Olinext delivers scalable solutions that connect sensors, autonomous platforms, operators, and decision-makers into a single operational ecosystem.

Partnering with leaders in electronics, robotics, AI, sensing technologies, and manufacturing, Olinext is building next-generation dual-use CBRNe and autonomous systems designed for real-world deployment.

Our team combines engineering, military, and operational experience proven in critical infrastructure, post-disaster environments, and conflict zones, ensuring strong alignment with real end-user requirements.

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Head of Software to lead the software architecture and development of our future systems while working closely with the CTO and Founder.

This role is ideal for someone who has previously developed mission-critical software, command-and-control systems, operator interfaces, or software platforms that integrate and coordinate multiple hardware and software systems into one operational environment.

Reporting Structure

The Head of Software will report directly to the CTO and work closely with the Founder, product teams, customers, and external technology partners. As the company grows, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build and lead the software engineering organization.

What You'll work on

- Mission software and operator interfaces

- Command-and-control (C2) applications

- Multi-sensor data fusion and visualization

- Integration of UAV, UGV, USV and autonomous platforms

- CBRN monitoring and decision-support systems

- Mapping, situational awareness and operational dashboards

- Cloud, edge and distributed system architectures

- APIs and integration layers connecting multiple systems and technologies

- Rapid prototyping and transition from R&D to deployable products

Responsibilities

- Define and lead the software architecture strategy

- Design scalable mission software platforms

- Develop interfaces between sensors, autonomous systems, operators and external systems

- Lead software development activities and future software teams

- Work closely with the CTO on overall system architecture

- Support integration of third-party technologies and software modules

- Participate in customer discussions, demonstrations and technical workshops

- Contribute to technical proposals, grants and European defence programmes

- Ensure software scalability, maintainability and operational reliability

- Establish software development standards, processes and best practices

Background

- Strong experience in software architecture and complex software systems

- Experience developing mission-critical, industrial, defence, robotics or autonomous-system software

- Experience building software that serves as an interface between multiple systems, sensors or platforms

- Strong understanding of distributed systems, APIs and system integration

- Experience with real-time data processing and visualization

- Ability to work across multiple software stacks and programming languages

- Experience taking products from concept and prototype to deployment

- Comfortable working in fast-moving startup and dual-use environments

Technical Skills

Strong experience in several of the following areas:

- C++, C#, Python, Rust, Go, Java or similar languages

- Frontend development (React, Angular, Vue or similar)

- Backend and microservice architectures

- Cloud and edge computing

- GIS and mapping technologies

- Data streaming and messaging systems

- Containerization and orchestration technologies

- Database design and optimization

- Software integration and API development

- AI/ML integration and data processing pipelines

Highly Valued

- Experience with mission software, C2 systems or operational dashboards

- Experience in defence, aerospace, robotics or autonomous systems

- Experience integrating hardware, sensors and communication systems

- Familiarity with NATO, defence or dual-use projects

- Experience in ruggedised or field-deployed environments

- Existing network within European defence, robotics or dual-use ecosystem

Why Join Olinext?

- Opportunity to build software that directly supports real-world operations

- Ability to shape the software architecture of a growing technology company

- Work on next-generation autonomous and CBRN-related systems

- Exposure to international customers, investors and strategic partners

- Dynamic startup environment with real execution and rapid decision-making

- Potential long-term partnership and equity participation

- Opportunity to build and lead your own software organization as the company scales

Process

1. Introductory conversation with the Founder

2. Technical discussion with the CTO and Founder

3. Deep dive into software architecture, mission systems and previous projects

4. Practical workshop focused on real-world use cases and system integration challenges

5. Discussion of cooperation model, long-term goals and growth opportunities

We are looking for people who enjoy building complex systems, solving difficult integration challenges, moving fast, and creating software that has real operational impact.