December 2026 New Graduate Engineer, Software / GNC

Huntington Beach, CA

About the role

<div class="content-intro"><h1 data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>About Mach Industries</strong></h1> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p></div><div> <h1></h1> <h1><strong>

The Role</strong></h1> <p>Mach Industries is seeking a <strong>New Grad Software Engineer</strong> to join our team in developing the software that powers our autonomous defense systems. You will design, build, and optimize <strong>mission-critical software</strong>, working across real-time systems, embedded platforms, and autonomy applications. This role demands <strong>strong technical fundamentals, adaptability, and ownership</strong>, as you will work closely with engineers across software, GNC, embedded systems, and hardware to build and deploy high-performance systems in a fast-paced environment.</p> <h1><strong>Key

Responsibilities</strong></h1> <ul> <li> <p>Develop, test, and maintain software for autonomous defense platforms, with a focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.</p> </li> <li> <p>Design and implement clean, efficient, and well-tested code in C++, Rust, Python, or C.</p> </li> <li> <p>Develop software across the stack, from low-level embedded software and firmware to higher-level autonomy and mission applications.</p> </li> <li> <p>Work closely with GNC, embedded, systems, and hardware engineers to integrate software with complex electromechanical systems.</p> </li> <li> <p>Optimize software for real-time execution, low-latency performance, and resource-constrained embedded platforms.</p> </li> <li> <p>Build simulation, testing, and development infrastructure to accelerate software development and validate system performance.</p> </li> <li> <p>Debug and troubleshoot complex software and hardware-software integration issues.</p> </li> <li> <p>Develop automated tests and contribute to CI/CD pipelines to improve software quality and development velocity.</p> </li> <li> <p>Contribute to software architecture and technical design decisions as systems evolve.</p> </li> <li> <p>Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reliability, and developer productivity, and drive solutions from concept through implementation.</p> </li> <li> <p>Communicate technical challenges, risks, and tradeoffs clearly across a highly cross-functional engineering team.</p> </li> </ul> <h1><strong>Required

Qualifications</strong></h1> <ul> <li> <p>Experience implementing a substantial software project, such as a capstone, research project, internship project, student design team, or personal project.</p> </li> <li> <p>Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.</p> </li> <li> <p>Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD by end of December 2026 or January 2027</p> </li> <li> <p>Proficiency in C++, Rust, Python, or C, with the ability to write clean, well-tested, and efficient code.</p> </li> </ul> <h1><strong>Preferred

Qualifications</strong></h1> <ul> <li> <p>Experience developing software for autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, or other complex electromechanical systems..</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, or RTOS environments.</p> </li> <li> <p>Familiarity with GNC, controls, state estimation, sensor fusion, or robotics.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience building simulation environments or software-in-the-loop / hardware-in-the-loop testing infrastructure.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience working with sensors, actuators, communication interfaces, or other hardware interfaces.</p> </li> <li> <p>Familiarity with Linux, networking, concurrency, or distributed systems.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience with CI/CD, automated testing, and software development infrastructure.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience working on rocketry, UAVs, robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other student engineering projects.</p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <h1><strong>ITAR

Requirements</strong></h1> <p>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 ITAR <a href="https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987">here</a>.  </p> </div><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Engineer</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$130,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$135,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">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.</p> <p>Key Elements of Our

Compensation Philosophy:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Competitive Salaries</strong>: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.</li> <li><strong>Performance-Based Incentives</strong>: Our

bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.</li> <li><strong>Equity Participation</strong>: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.</li> <li><strong>Benefit Packages</strong>: 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.</li> <li><strong>Professional Development</strong>: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.</li> <li><strong>Transparency</strong>: We are committed to openness about our

compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Data Privacy</strong><br>To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit <a href="https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy" target="_blank">https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy</a>.</p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Disclosures</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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!</p></div>

About Mach Industries

Mach Industries is a defense manufacturing company building advanced unmanned systems and defense infrastructure for the modern era. The company develops products including VTOL strike aircraft, long-range munitions, and high-altitude pseudo-satellite platforms, with a vertically integrated and distributed manufacturing model designed for supply chain resilience. Its customers include the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command.

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Job details

Salary

$130,000 - $135,000

Location

Huntington Beach, CA

Company

NameMach Industries
IndustryAerospace
Team Size3

Funding

Total raised

$185M

Last stage

Growth

Investors

Khosla Ventures
BBedrock Capital
Sequoia Capital
DDCVC
MMarque Ventures

Founders

ET

Ethan Thornton

Founder and CEO

What happens next.

No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.

01

Confirm the fit

A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.

02

I pitch you to the company

I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.

03

A meeting lands on your calendar

If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.