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# Principal Software Engineer

- **Company:** Mach, Inc
- **Location:** Huntington Beach, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $220,000.0 - $265,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Continuous Integration, DevOps, Firmware, Hardware Interface Design, Python (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Software Architecture, Software Maintenance, Real-Time Operating Systems, Secure Coding, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Rust (Programming Language), PIC Microcontroller
- **Published:** October 15, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/dd5b8821-a9c6-4f7c-8dce-a5d69b7da406

## About the Role

* 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., * 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, I C/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.

## Description

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., * 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.