Lead Principal Software Engineer - Real-Time Embedded Systems

Mach-Industries; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Mach Industries is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead architecture, design, and optimization of autonomous defense software. You will drive real-time performance and security across the full stack from firmware to mission systems, collaborating with embedded engineers and GNC specialists in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have expert C++, Rust, Python, or C skills, 10+ years of leadership on large projects, and a track record of ownership in RTOS and embedded domains.

Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in C++, Rust, Python, or C.
• 10+ years of experience leading and delivering large-scale projects (>10,000 lines of code).
• Deep expertise in real-time software development, embedded systems, and low-level hardware interfaces.
• Experience with fast-paced, high-iteration environments and frequent releases.
• Full software lifecycle expertise from design to deployment and sustainment.
• Proven ownership and technical leadership with minimal oversight.
• Experience with RTOS, embedded platforms, and hardware-software co-design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software for autonomous defense platforms.
• Architect and implement high-performance, real-time systems in C++, Rust, Python, or C.
• Define and own end-to-end software architecture from firmware to mission software.
• Collaborate with embedded engineers, GNC, and systems teams for hardware-software integration.
• Drive real-time performance, low-latency operation, and resource optimization on embedded platforms.
• Establish secure coding practices meeting defense cybersecurity standards.
• Champion DevOps, CI/CD, automated testing, and infrastructure-as-code.

Skills

C++

Rust

Python

C

Tools

RTOS

Embedded platforms

Embassy framework

Job description

Mach Industries is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead architecture, design, and optimization of autonomous defense software. You will drive real-time performance and security across the full stack from firmware to mission systems, collaborating with embedded engineers and GNC specialists in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have expert C++, Rust, Python, or C skills, 10+ years of leadership on large projects, and a track record of ownership in RTOS and embedded domains.