Principal Software Engineer

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

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

The Principal Software Engineer will play a pivotal leadership role in developing and advancing our autonomous defense systems. You will drive the architecture, design, implementation, and optimization of mission-critical software, with deep focus on real-time performance, reliability, security, and scalability. 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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Establish and enforce secure coding practices and architectures that meet or exceed defense cybersecurity standards and protect against advanced threats.

Champion DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and infrastructure-as-code to enable rapid, reliable software delivery.

Troubleshoot and resolve the most complex software and system-level issues, ensuring mission-critical reliability and availability.

Identify strategic opportunities for technical improvement and proactively lead initiatives that significantly enhance system efficiency, performance, and capabilities.

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.

Required Qualifications

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.

Demonstrated success operating in fast-paced, high-iteration environments with frequent releases.

Mastery of the full software development lifecycle, including complex system design, deployment, monitoring, and sustainment.

Proven track record of extreme ownership, technical leadership, and driving critical projects to completion with minimal oversight.

Strong experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS), embedded platforms, and hardware-software co-design.

Ability to work on-site in Huntington Beach, CA or at our office in San Francisco, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

Significant hands-on expertise in Rust, particularly embedded Rust with Embassy or similar frameworks.

Extensive experience developing software for autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, or defense applications.

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.

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 .

Principal Engineer

$220,000 - $265,000 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-Base 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. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!