--- title: 'Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer at Neon Aerospace' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-embedded-systems-software-engineer-neon-aerospace-irvine-nfp2hyyatd2q' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-09' --- # Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer at Neon Aerospace - **Company:** Neon Aerospace - **Location:** Irvine, CA - **Compensation:** $150k–$175k - **Posted:** 2026-05-12 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/neonaerospace/jobs/4232326009 ## Job description Aerospace is at a turning point — costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can’t keep up. At Neon Aero, we’re breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production. Here, you won’t just take a job — you’ll help reinvent how the world flies. If you’re ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact. We’re seeking a Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer with strong systems intuition and a passion for building robust, safety-critical control software. This role sits at the intersection of embedded platform software, and system-level control logic owning the supervisory control layers that coordinate actuators, motor drives, and flight-level systems. You will architect and implement system control logic, state machines, sequencing, diagnostics, and communication interfaces that ensure safe, deterministic operation across complex aerospace systems. While this role interfaces closely with actuator control, BMS, and vehicle control software, its primary focus is system behavior, integration, and correctness…not fast inner-loop control. ## Key Responsibilities System Control Architecture & Logic - Design and own system-level control architecture spanning actuator control, power sequencing, and operational state management. - Develop supervisory logic, state machines, and mode management that coordinate lower-level motor control, embedded platform software, and hardware subsystems. - Define and implement safe power-up, power-down, input processing, fault response, and degraded operating modes consistent with system safety assessments and aerospace certification requirements. Embedded Software Development - Develop and maintain embedded software in C/C++ or MATLAB/Simulink on real-time microcontroller platforms (e.g., TI C2000, NXP, or comparable safety-oriented MCUs). - Architect scalable and maintainable software frameworks supporting control execution, communication, diagnostics, and monitoring. - Work across BSPs, middleware, and application layers to ensure deterministic behavior and system robustness. System Interfaces & Communication - Define, implement, and document system interfaces between controllers, subsystems, and external equipment. - Author and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for communication protocols such as CAN (including safety-oriented profiles), ARINC 825, and other aerospace or automotive buses. - Ensure reliable data exchange, arbitration, and fault handling across system boundaries. Model-Based Design & Validation - Use MATLAB/Simulink to develop and validate system-level control logic, sequencing, and coordination strategies. - Support model-based design workflows spanning MIL, SIL, and HIL environments. - Leverage simulation and lab data to validate system behavior across nominal, corner-case, and fault scenarios. Integration, Test & Bring-Up - Lead system-level integration activities across motor control, BMS, sensors, and vehicle control software. - Support hardware bring-up, HIL testing, and lab validation, diagnosing issues that span software, hardware, and system interactions. - Develop test strategies, automation hooks, and data analysis workflows to ensure repeatable verification. Safety, Process & Lifecycle Support - Support development of safety-critical embedded software by following disciplined software development processes. - Contribute to requirements definition, traceability, verification planning, and certification readiness activities aligned with standards such as DO-178C, ARP4754/4761, or equivalent safety frameworks. - Maintain configuration control and long-term maintainability of system software artifacts. Required Qualifications - 5+ years of experience developing embedded control software for complex real-time systems - Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++ and real-time software architecture - Experience designing system-level control logic, state machines, and sequencing - Hands-on experience with communication protocols such as CAN (and derivatives), SPI, Ethernet, or ARINC (825/664) - Experience with model-based design tools (MATLAB/Simulink) and SIL/HIL testing - Proven ability to integrate and debug software across hardware, firmware, and system boundaries - Strong analytical skills and system-level problem-solving ability ## Preferred / Bonus Experience - Experience with TI C2000, NXP, or similar real-time control microcontrollers - Prior work on safety-critical or regulated systems (aerospace, automotive, industrial) - Exposure to certification-oriented development processes (DO-178C, ARP4754/4761, ISO 26262 concepts) - Experience defining software architectures and development processes for growing teams - Background spanning motor control, BMS, or vehicle control systems - Experience supporting production launch, field issues, and system-level validation ## Why This Role Matters This role defines how complex control systems behave as a whole. Your work ensures that motors, actuators, power, and climate systems operate coherently, safely, and predictably under all conditions. You’ll have deep technical ownership and influence system architecture decisions. Play a key role in bringing flight-ready control systems from concept to deployment. This is the expected compensation range for this role. Final compensation will be based on role scope, experience, skills, internal equity and location. This role may also be eligible for bonus/equity/benefits, if applicable. $150,000—$175,000 USD Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment. At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. ## About Neon Aerospace ## Core Business - Primary industry/industries: Aerospace & Defense, Advanced Manufacturing - Target customers: B2B – aerospace OEMs, defense contractors, and emerging air vehicle developers (electric, supersonic, hypersonic, space, AI-powered platforms) - Mission or purpose statement: “Push the boundaries of flight” by uniting electrical, software, and mechanical expertise with trusted partnerships and an unwavering commitment to engineering excellence. ## Products & Services - **Propellers & Rotors**: Lightweight, high-performance composite propellers and rotors for commercial and defense applications, designed using AI-driven tools and certified to DO-160, DO-178, and DO-254 standards. - **Actuators**: Linear actuators and electromechanical actuation systems for positioning, propulsion, and environmental control. - **Engineering Services**: Full lifecycle support – conceptual design, aerodynamic/vibratory prediction, loads analysis, structural design, tooling, composite fabrication, assembly, ground/flight test, and regulatory compliance. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (Post-Series A) - **Key Metric**: Total Funding – $38.5M (Series A, August 2025) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Lockheed Martin Ventures (lead investor, corporate venture capital) - **Growth Signals**: - Raised $38.5M in Series A within months of founding - Actively hiring across multiple engineering disciplines (14 open positions as of mid-2026) - Operating from three locations: Santa Clara, CA (HQ); Irvine, CA; Manchester, CT - Building a Tier-1 U.S. supplier position with a backlog of commercial and defense programs ## Competitive Advantages - **Regulatory Expertise**: All products are built for aviation and fully meet DO-160, DO-178, and DO-254 certification standards – a critical moat in aerospace. - **AI-Driven Design**: Proprietary AI tools automate repetitive work, generate design options, and improve with each cycle, producing lighter, stronger, and more affordable products. - **Startup Agility**: Combines Silicon Valley speed with deep aerospace experience, compressing development timelines and reducing costs without compromising safety. - **Elite Team**: Leadership includes veterans from Archer, Bell Flight, Bombardier, Supernal, and Google X, bringing proven track records in certifying aircraft and scaling production. ## Strategic Focus - Scale production capacity for next-generation aircraft programs (electric, supersonic, hypersonic, defense). - Deepen partnerships with major OEMs and defense primes (e.g., Lockheed Martin). - Continue investing in AI-driven design and digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production. - Expand into new verticals including advanced mobility, robotics, and autonomous systems. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Startup environment that attracts “rare engineering talent” with both regulatory expertise and a drive for rapid innovation. Core values include transparency, challenging convention, moving fast while staying safe, and pursuing excellence. - **Work Model**: Hybrid – roles are based in Irvine, CA and Manchester, CT. No fully remote positions listed; onsite presence expected for hands-on hardware development. - **Compensation & Benefits**: Competitive base salary (e.g., Mechanical Engineer range $110,000–$123,750 USD), equity participation, full health/vision/dental benefits, 401K, and growth opportunities. - **Team**: Work alongside engineers from Archer, Bell, Bombardier, and other top aerospace firms on real hardware that goes from concept to production. - **Impact**: Directly contribute to shaping the future of aviation with lower-cost, autonomous, and scalable solutions. ## Sources 1. [neon.aero](https://www.neon.aero/) 2. [PitchBook](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/1083536-38) 3. [Greenhouse Job Board](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/neonaerospace) 4. [MapQuest](https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/neon-aero-inc-799118505) 5. [Greenhouse – Mechanical Engineer Job Posting](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/neonaerospace/jobs/4241556009) ## Other roles at Neon Aerospace - [Director of Electrical Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-electrical-engineering-neon-aerospace-irvine-x0krwhahz592) — Irvine, CA - [Director of Mechanical Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-mechanical-engineering-neon-aerospace-irvine-30e7xy50kv82) — Irvine, CA - [Sr. Electrical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-electrical-engineer-neon-aerospace-irvine-mf18gxm679dh) — Irvine, CA - [Sr. Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-mechanical-engineer-neon-aerospace-irvine-1z13de8hyz8c) — Irvine, CA - [Senior Manager, Commercial Contracts](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-commercial-contracts-neon-aerospace-irvine-s73ccp1wdpc6) — Irvine, CA - [Senior Embedded Platform Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-embedded-platform-engineer-neon-aerospace-irvine-ye82z9m68xrf) — Irvine, CA - [Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-neon-aerospace-irvine-1twahx86z7yj) — Irvine, CA - [Senior Engineer, Propellers](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-engineer-propellers-neon-aerospace-manchester-connecticut-wt79pq2zbazs) — Manchester Connecticut, United States - [Senior Motor Control Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-motor-control-engineer-neon-aerospace-irvine-6whhxpwh46z1) — Irvine, CA - [Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-embedded-systems-software-engineer-anduril-industries-costa-mesa-j04h54rsm6wp) — Costa Mesa California, United States