Principal Software Engineer

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.

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

Requirements

Expert-level proficiency in C++, Rust, Python, or C; 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

Nice to have

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

Benefits

Health insurance; retirement plans; opportunities for professional development; competitive equity grants