Head of Software

Company: Mach Industries
Location: Austin
Posted on: May 3, 2025

Job Description:

Mach is a defense manufacturing company that builds munitions to help the United States win future wars. Backed by $85M in funding from top venture firms, our small lean team ideates, designs, manufactures, and sells cutting-edge weapons to the Department of Defense.Mach Industries is seeking a Head of Software Engineering to lead the design and development of advanced software systems for next-generation autonomous defense platforms. As the Head of Software Engineering, you will oversee the entire software development function, ensuring that our systems are secure, scalable, and optimized for mission-critical performance. Your expertise will drive the development of high-performance, reliable, and rapidly deployable software solutions that provide the United States with a strategic advantage in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.At Mach Industries, we build next-generation platforms that maintain an allied American edge. The future of warfare lies in decentralized autonomous systems, and we aim to produce these platforms at scale using flexible, adaptable factories. As the Head of Software Engineering, you will work at the intersection of innovation and execution, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to develop robust software architectures that support modular, scalable production and ensure our platforms deliver adaptability, resilience, and strategic value.Responsibilities:

• Lead the software engineering function, overseeing the design and development of mission-critical software systems for autonomous defense platforms.
• Drive the end-to-end software development process, from system architecture and algorithm design to implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Develop scalable, high-performance software solutions that integrate with hardware platforms, including autonomous vehicles, control systems, and sensor networks.
• Ensure the security, reliability, and resilience of software systems, implementing best practices for cybersecurity, real-time performance, and fail-safe operations.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines, including guidance, navigation, control (GNC), avionics, and systems integration, to optimize performance and mission effectiveness.
• Provide technical mentorship and leadership to the software engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, precision, and mission focus.
• Research and implement cutting-edge software technologies, including AI/ML-driven decision-making, real-time sensor fusion, and advanced autonomy frameworks.
• Optimize software for deployment in real-time and embedded environments, ensuring efficient operation under computational constraints.
• Maintain compliance with defense industry standards and cybersecurity best practices, ensuring that software solutions meet mission-critical requirements.Basic Qualifications:
• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on mission-critical systems, autonomous platforms, or defense applications.
• Proven expertise in leading software teams and driving full lifecycle development of complex software systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, with strong experience in embedded systems and real-time software development.
• Strong background in software architecture, distributed systems, and high-performance computing.
• Experience developing software for sensor fusion, real-time control, or AI/ML-driven autonomy.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to guide and inspire a high-performing engineering team.Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience developing software for unmanned systems, robotics, or aerospace applications.
• Familiarity with defense industry software standards, including DoD cybersecurity and compliance requirements.
• Expertise in real-time processing, networking protocols, and distributed computing for autonomous systems.
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML models for perception, decision-making, and optimization in autonomous systems.
• Strong knowledge of software optimization for edge computing and resource-constrained environments.
• Experience with high-fidelity simulation environments and digital twins for software testing and validation.Benefits at Mach IndustriesAt Mach Industries, we are committed to supporting the well-being and success of our team members. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to offer financial security and foster personal and professional growth. Here's an overview of the benefits available to full-time employees:Competitive Compensation PackageThe salary range for this position is an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including experience, education, skills, and business considerations. The actual salary offered may vary. In addition to a competitive base salary, employees may receive equity grants, which are considered part of Mach Industries' total compensation package.Healthcare & Wellness Benefits
• Platinum Healthcare Coverage: For U.S. employees, Mach Industries provides platinum-level coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee, with 90% of coverage for dependents.Generous Time Off & Leave Policies
• Holiday Calendar: We offer a generous holiday schedule including 13 holidays.
• Holiday Shutdown: An additional 10 days off at the end of December.
• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) PoliciesCompany-Provided Meals
• Daily Meals & Snacks: Daily catered lunches, fully stocked kitchens with snacks, drinks, a coffee bar, and more!Retirement & Financial Security
• 401(k) Plan (U.S. Only): We offer a company 401k with a 5% match to provide for your financial future.Relocation Assistance
• We offer relocation support for eligible positions, ensuring a smooth transition for team members moving for work.At Mach Industries, we are committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and personal growth. We want to ensure you have the tools and resources you need to thrive both inside and outside of work.Why Mach Industries?At Mach Industries, we are pioneering the future of defense through scalable, decentralized technologies. You'll be part of a small, dynamic team tackling some of the hardest engineering problems in modern warfare. Your work will directly contribute to building systems that ensure global stability and preparedness through innovative, manufacturable designs.Join us in shaping the future of warfare and securing the American way of life.DisclosuresThis 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.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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Keywords: Mach Industries, Temple , Head of Software, IT / Software / Systems , Austin, Texas