Flight Software Engineer

Mach-Industries; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Healthcare benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Mach Industries in Huntington Beach, CA, seeks a Software Engineer, Flight Software (new grad to senior) to design, develop, and implement real-time, safety-critical flight software for aerospace and defense platforms.

You will work at the intersection of embedded systems, real-time computing, and aerospace engineering, collaborating with hardware and systems engineers and conducting rigorous testing across the software lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems and real-time environments.
• Understanding of aerospace concepts, hardware interfaces, and protocols.
• Knowledge of MATLAB and Simulink.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement real-time flight software for embedded systems.
• Engineer efficient, reliable software with hardware interaction considerations.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and aerospace engineers to integrate flight software.
• Develop and execute testing: unit, integration, system-level, in simulation and on hardware.
• Contribute to the full software lifecycle from requirements to verification and validation.

Skills

C programming

C++ programming

Rust

MATLAB/Simulink

RTOS/embedded

flight software

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Aerospace

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Huntington Beach, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. 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. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

We are seeking a talented Software Engineer, Flight Software (new grad to senior) to join our team developing safety-critical, real-time embedded software for aerospace and defense platforms. In this role, you will design, develop, and implement flight software that powers next-generation autonomous systems, working at the intersection of embedded systems, real-time computing, and aerospace engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement real-time, safety-critical flight software in C, C++, and Rust for embedded systems within aerospace and defense platforms.
• Engineer highly efficient and reliable embedded software solutions, focusing on resource constraints, low-level hardware interaction, and deterministic behavior.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and aerospace specialists to integrate flight software with avionics, sensors, and control systems.
• Develop and execute rigorous testing methodologies, including unit, integration, and system-level testing in simulation and on actual flight hardware.
• Contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and architecture design to coding, verification, and validation of flight-critical software.

Required Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in C, and C++ for embedded systems programming.
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems and/or real-time operating environments, including low-level hardware interactions, device drivers, and complex embedded software architectures.
• Proven experience working with flight software principles, hard real-time operating environments, and understanding of aerospace concepts, hardware interfaces, and protocols.
• Understanding of MATLAB and Simulink.
• Strong academic background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on embedded systems and real-time computing (degree not strictly required; demonstrated skills and experience take precedence).

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace background in aerodynamics, aircraft concepts, or avionics.
• Experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems — including mission and trajectory planning, state estimation, and typical control laws (PID, LQR, etc).
• Experience with computer vision, perception, or robotics concepts.
• Strong proficiency in Rust for embedded systems programming.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITARhere .

$125,000 - $160,000 USD

$165,000 - $220,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.

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. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. The information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Mach Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.