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Controls and Software Engineer 4

Irvine, CA

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 Controls and Software Engineer with deep technical expertise and a passion for building control systems that deliver precision, safety, and reliability. In this role, you won’t just write algorithms—you’ll own control system architecture, lead critical design processes, and see your solutions take flight.

You’ll work hands-on developing, validating, and launching advanced control systems for aviation-grade actuators, motor drives, and embedded controllers. Along the way, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—from Systems and Electrical Engineering to Manufacturing and Program Management, ensuring seamless integration, certification readiness, and alignment with bold company objectives.

Why this Role Matters:

  • Lead control system development from start to finish: capture requirements, design, model, verify, and optimize algorithms for vector control, speed, torque, position regulation, state machines, and power sequencing.
  • Elevate design practices by developing processes, methodologies, and best practices that raise the bar on quality, compliance, and efficiency.
  • Translate system needs into solutions, working closely with Systems Engineering to define specifications and interfaces.
  • Guide communication protocol development, creating and reviewing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for CAN, ARINC 825, and other aviation bus standards.
  • Oversee hardware-software integration, leading validation through HIL testing, simulation, and field trials.
  • Drive certification readiness, preparing test plans and compliance artifacts, and partnering with Quality and Regulatory teams to support audits.
  • Champion cross-functional collaboration, aligning efforts across Program Management, Systems, Electrical, Software, Test, and Manufacturing.
  • Maintain control system integrity, managing configuration, documentation, and version control for traceability and lifecycle compliance.
  • Influence at a strategic level, contributing to technical roadmaps and presenting to senior leadership and stakeholders

What You’ll Bring:

  • Minimum of 6+ years of experience in control algorithm design, simulation, and real-time validation with MATLAB/Simulink, and a track record of launched/fielded products.
  • Strong software development skills in C, C++, and Python, with proven expertise in verification and validation.
  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline preferred; equivalent professional experience accepted.
  • Deep expertise in vector (field-oriented) control, torque/speed/position regulation, and safety-critical state machine design.
  • Extensive experience with ICDs and communication buses including CAN and ARINC 825.
  • Hands-on background in HIL testing, rapid prototyping, and lab data analytics.
  • Familiarity with aviation certification standards (DO-254, DO-178C, ARP4754/4761).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects, prioritize resources, and deliver complex projects on schedule.
  • Self-motivated with exceptional problem-solving acumen and decision-making skills.
  • Collaborative mindset with proactive stakeholder engagement, fostering open communication and transparency.\
  • Commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Why Join Us:

  • Work alongside elite engineering talent and innovators from across aerospace and tech.
  • Be part of a team moving faster than the industry standard.
  • Shape solutions that are lower-cost, autonomous, and scalable — the future of aviation.
  • Competitive compensation, including equity participation, growth opportunities, and full heath benefits (health, vision, dental, 401K) designed to support you in and out of work.

This pay range is specific to the location where the role is posted. Final pay will depend on experience, skill level, and other job-related factors.

Location-Specific Pay Range

$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.

 

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