Lead Embedded Software Engineer Rio Rancho – Mexico Long Range Strike Systems

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we're building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where you'll have significant ownership, collaborate with exceptional teammates, and make a direct, measurable impact on our mission and the future of the company - regardless of your function.

As a Lead Embedded Software Engineer, you will serve as a key technical leader within Castelion's Software organization. You will define architecture, guide engineering direction, and ensure reliable delivery of mission-critical embedded software across the vehicle stack. In addition to owning complex subsystems, you will mentor engineers, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and set the technical tempo for the team. This role is ideal for engineers who combine deep technical expertise with an ability to lead others, influence system-level decisions, and thrive in a fast-moving, highly integrated hardware - software environment.

• Architecture & Technical Leadership:
  Define system architecture, software design patterns, module interfaces, and long-term technical strategy. Provide technical leadership across embedded systems, autonomy, drivers, simulation, and application layers, and lead deep-dive investigations into software reliability, performance, and integration issues.
• Embedded Software Development:
  Design, implement, and integrate embedded software for Linux-based and real-time systems. Own high-impact subsystems from concept through flight testing. Perform hands‑on debugging, hardware bring‑up, and system validation across tightly coupled hardware–software interfaces.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with avionics, guidance, hardware, simulation, and test teams to align software efforts with broader system requirements. Represent the embedded software team in program reviews, technical discussions, and mission‑planning activities.
• System Integration & Testing:
  Lead software integration across virtualized environments, hardware‑in‑the‑loop, and full vehicle setups. Develop or guide the development of testing tools, automation workflows, and simulation models. Drive root‑cause analysis for complex failures and implement system‑level corrective actions.
• Project Ownership & Delivery:
  Own major technical initiatives that impact vehicle capability, autonomy, performance, or reliability. Coordinate resources, manage risks, and ensure on‑time delivery of mission‑critical software. Support integration and launch activities at test sites when necessary.
• Quality, Standards & Continuous Improvement:
  Elevate engineering standards by driving improvements to code quality, design review processes, documentation expectations, and testing rigor. Foster a culture of high ownership, rapid iteration, and continuous improvement across the software organization.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a related STEM field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in embedded software or real‑time systems.
• Strong proficiency in C++, Rust, or similar systems programming languages.
• Experience developing software on Linux‑based embedded platforms, including kernel‑level work or custom driver development (UART, I2C, SPI, etc.).
• Experience leading technical projects, architecting complex systems, or serving as a team or technical lead.

• Technical leadership experience at high‑performance or mission‑critical hardware–software organizations…