Principal Software Engineer

- 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.

- 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, 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.