Mach 1 Development

Principal Software Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · Principal

Work authorization requiredDetected 69 days ago

PythonRustC++CI/CDDevOpsEmbedded SystemsRoboticsSensorsTest AutomationLeadership

About the role

The Principal Software Engineer will play a pivotal leadership role in developing and advancing our autonomous defense systems.
This senior position demands exceptional technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong ownership as you lead complex initiatives across the full software stack - from low-level firmware to high-level mission systems - in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software for autonomous defense platforms, ensuring world-class performance, reliability, and security.
Architect and implement high-performance, well-tested systems in C++, Rust, Python, or C, setting technical direction for real-time and embedded applications.
Define and own end-to-end software architecture, spanning low-level firmware through high-level mission software and edge computing solutions.
Collaborate closely with embedded engineers, GNC specialists, systems engineers, and cross-functional teams to deliver seamless hardware-software integration and system-level optimization.
Drive performance optimization initiatives for real-time execution, low-latency operation, and efficient resource utilization on embedded platforms and edge systems.
Identify strategic opportunities for technical improvement and proactively lead initiatives that significantly enhance system efficiency, performance, and capabilities.
You will drive the architecture, design, implementation, and optimization of mission-critical software, with deep focus on real-time performance, reliability, security, and scalability.
Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms.

Expert-level proficiency in C++, Rust, Python, or C, with a proven ability to design and deliver clean, efficient, and highly reliable code.
10+ years of experience leading and delivering large-scale projects (>10,000 lines of code) from initial architecture through deployment and ongoing support.
Deep expertise in real-time software development, embedded systems, performance optimization, and low-level hardware interfaces.
Proven track record of extreme ownership, technical leadership, and driving critical projects to completion with minimal oversight.

Significant hands-on expertise in Rust, particularly embedded Rust with Embassy or similar frameworks.
Deep familiarity with microcontrollers, I²C/SPI/CAN protocols, real-time operating systems, and low-level firmware development.
Practical experience with sensor fusion, state estimation, GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) systems, or related domains.
Background in modeling and simulating flight vehicle dynamics within highly integrated, cross-disciplinary environments.
Strong experience in firmware development, testing, and validation for safety-critical or mission-critical embedded systems.
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security.
Mentor and guide senior and junior engineers, promote engineering excellence, and contribute to agile processes by communicating technical vision, risks, and trade-offs to leadership and stakeholders.

At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies.
We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

This listing is sourced directly from Mach 1 Development's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.