Vice President of Software Engineering

VP of Software Engineering | Commercial Maritime | Stealth Mode | LA OnsiteBerkley Hunt is partnering with an early-stage, high-growth startup that is reimagining maritime logistics and next-generation marine connectivity. The company is building breakthrough embedded systems, operator platforms, and edge-AI technologies that reshape how vessels operate, communicate, and make decisions across global shipping networks. Their mission is to deliver smarter, safer, and more efficient vessel operations in environments where reliability, intelligence, and innovation matter.We are seeking a VP of Software Engineering to lead, architect, and scale the core software stack that powers the company’s edge-computing systems, operator platforms, and real-time maritime AI capabilities. This is a hands-on executive role where technical leadership, rapid learning, and the ability to ship high-quality systems matter more than experience with any specific framework.Who You Are:Extensive professional experience leading software engineering teams across embedded systems, real-time applications, or edge-AI platformsStrong background in embedded/real-time development, sensor integration, vehicle software, or GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control)Proficient with modern software development for distributed or mission-critical systems, with a willingness to dive into new technologies quicklyExperience building high-performance operator-facing UIs/platforms similar to complex technical systems (e.g., Foundry, Lattice OS)Familiarity with RF systems or wireless communications in constrained or ruggedized environmentsComfortable navigating early-stage ambiguity, owning major architectural decisions, and setting technical direction for long-term scaleStartup mindset: thrive in fast-moving environments, take ownership, and enjoy solving complex, multidisciplinary problemsResponsibilities:Architect, design, and lead development of the core platform spanning embedded systems, edge AI, UI/operator interfaces, and real-time vessel softwareOversee sensor integration pipelines, vehicle data capture, and onboard system interoperabilityLead development of algorithms supporting vessel maneuvering, autonomy, and real-time operational decision-makingGuide the creation of user interfaces that enable seamless vessel operations and situational awarenessDrive development of RF-based systems enabling secure vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communicationCollaborate closely with founders, AI/ML engineers, and maritime domain experts to shape technical and product strategyEstablish engineering best practices, reliability standards, and long-term technical roadmaps as the team growsMentor future engineering hires and build a high-performing technical organization from the ground upBonus Qualifications:Previous experience in early-stage startups, robotics, aerospace, defense, maritime systems, or other autonomy-driven domainsExposure to CI/CD, DevOps, or infrastructure for real-time or embedded environmentsExperience with edge-AI deployments, IoT systems, or integrating machine-learning models into operational environmentsOpen-source contributions or experience building developer-focused tooling for technical operators