Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

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 Software Engineer will play a critical role in developing our autonomous defense systems. You will be responsible for designing, building, and optimizing mission-critical applications, with a focus on real-time performance, reliability, and security. This role demands technical excellence, adaptability, and ownership, as you will work across the full software stack to develop and deploy high-performance systems in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain software for autonomous defense platforms, ensuring high performance, reliability, and security.

• Design and implement efficient, well-tested code in C++, Rust, Python, or C to power real-time systems.

• Architect end-to-end software solutions, from low-level firmware to high-level mission software.

• Work closely with embedded engineers, GNC specialists, and systems engineers to ensure seamless hardware-software integration.

• Optimize software for real-time execution, ensuring low-latency operation on embedded platforms and edge computing systems.

• Implement secure coding practices, ensuring software is resilient to cyber threats and meets defense cybersecurity standards.

• Utilize DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing to streamline software development and deployment.

• Troubleshoot, debug, and refine complex software systems, ensuring they meet mission-critical reliability requirements.

• Identify opportunities for optimization and proactively propose solutions that enhance system efficiency and performance.

• Contribute to agile development processes, effectively communicating risks, blockers, and technical challenges to the broader team.

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency in C++, Rust, Python, or C, with the ability to write clean, well-tested, and efficient code.

• Experience implementing a large (>10,000 line) project, from architecture to deployment.

• Strong understanding of real-time software development, embedded systems, and performance optimization.

• Ability to execute in a fast-paced, high-iteration environment, often shipping software multiple times per day.

• Strong grasp of the full software development lifecycle, including design, development, deployment, and support.

• Demonstrated extreme ownership and ability to operate autonomously, driving projects to completion with minimal oversight.

• Experience working with low-level hardware interfaces and optimizing software for real-time applications.

• Ability to work on-site in Huntington Beach, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience in Rust, including embedded Rust with Embassy.

• Experience developing software for autonomous systems, robotics, or aerospace applications.

• Hands-on experience with microcontrollers, I²C, or real-time operating systems (RTOS).

• Familiarity with sensor fusion, state estimation, or GNC systems.

• Experience modeling flight vehicle dynamics in highly integrated cross-disciplinary simulations.

• Strong background in firmware development and testing for embedded systems.

Disclosures

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!

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