Principal Software Engineer (Rust)

Location: On-site in Huntington Beach, California, or San Francisco, California, United States

Salary: $220,000–$265,000 per year, plus equity

Company

hirify.global is a defense technology startup developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms and decentralized defense systems.

What you will do

• Lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software for autonomous defense platforms.
• Define end-to-end architecture spanning embedded firmware, real-time applications, mission systems, and edge computing.
• Implement high-performance systems in C++, Rust, Python, or C, with a focus on real-time execution and resource efficiency.
• Collaborate with embedded, GNC, and systems engineers on hardware-software integration and system-level optimization.
• Establish secure coding practices, automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and infrastructure as code.
• Resolve complex software issues, lead technical improvement initiatives, and mentor engineers across experience levels.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience leading large-scale software projects from architecture through deployment and support.
• Expert-level proficiency in C++, Rust, Python, or C, with deep experience in real-time software, embedded systems, performance optimization, and low-level hardware interfaces.
• Strong experience with RTOS, embedded platforms, firmware, and hardware-software co-design.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, ownership, system design expertise, and experience delivering software in fast-iteration environments.
• Ability to work on-site in Huntington Beach, CA, or San Francisco, CA.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; employment may require access to U.S. export-controlled technology without export-license sponsorship.

Nice to have

• Embedded Rust experience with Embassy or similar frameworks.
• Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, or defense applications.
• Knowledge of microcontrollers, I²C, SPI, CAN, RTOS, and low-level firmware development.
• Experience with sensor fusion, state estimation, GNC systems, or flight vehicle dynamics simulation.
• Firmware testing and validation experience for safety-critical or mission-critical systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with equity participation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plans and paid time off.
• Professional development funding for education, training, and career growth.
• Fast-paced startup environment focused on defense technology and national security.