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Aerospace Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Air vehicle hardware and software integration The ideal candidate will have a software engineering background, preferably in aerospace environments, and experience with embedded and platform-level ...

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Aerospace Software information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$110.4K

$163.8K

How much do aerospace software jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace software in California is $110,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aerospace software and what does an aerospace software engineer do?

Aerospace software refers to the specialized software systems and applications used in the design, development, operation, and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and related systems. Aerospace software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software that ensures the reliable and safe operation of these systems. Their work often involves flight control systems, navigation, simulation, avionics, and embedded systems. They must adhere to strict industry standards and regulations to guarantee safety and performance. Aerospace software engineers collaborate closely with other engineers and technical teams throughout the development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace software engineer?

To thrive as an Aerospace Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as C/C++ or Ada), a solid understanding of embedded systems, and typically a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), avionics standards like DO-178C, and version control systems such as Git is essential, and certifications in safety-critical software are highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure the development of reliable and compliant software systems that are critical for safety and performance in aerospace applications.

What are some common challenges faced by software engineers working in the aerospace industry?

Software engineers in the aerospace industry often encounter unique challenges such as working with highly regulated systems, ensuring strict safety and reliability standards, and integrating software with complex hardware components. They must frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including systems, electrical, and mechanical engineers, which requires strong communication and coordination skills. Additionally, meeting rigorous testing and certification requirements can extend development timelines, making time management and attention to detail essential for success in this field.

What is the difference between Aerospace Software vs Aerospace Systems Engineer?

AspectAerospace SoftwareAerospace Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Software Engineering, Computer Science; certifications in programming or software developmentBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering; systems engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, labs, simulation environmentsDesign, integration, testing in labs, manufacturing sites, and field operations
Industry UsageDevelops flight control, navigation, and simulation software for aerospace productsDesigns and manages entire aerospace systems, including hardware and software integration

While Aerospace Software focuses on developing software components for aerospace applications, Aerospace Systems Engineers oversee the entire system design, integrating hardware and software. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in scope and responsibilities within the aerospace industry.

Infographic showing various Aerospace Software job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,380 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Aerospace Software Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Vehicle Systems Software Department performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations. We develop high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to test the software to assess its readiness for flight. VSSD is seeking an Aerospace Software Test Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control) with a passion for space and software development to be part of our team.

This position is in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Support customers in the NRO and DoD.

  • Develop models of space system components such as sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics for use in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators.

  • Conduct tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems.

  • Participate in the development and maintenance of these simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.

  • Develop tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.

  • Foster innovation within the team and delivery results to the customer.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Member of Technical Staff:

  • Bachelor's degreefrom an accredited college/university program

  • 4 years or more of applicable professional or educational experience

  • Experience performing technical support in complex environments involving customers, program offices, engineering support, and contractors

  • Experience programming in Python and Java or C/C++

  • Relevant project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a securityclearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist - Multidisciplinary Guidance Navigation & Control include:

  • 6 years or more of applicable professional or educational experience

  • Previous experience leading highly technical project teams

  • Experience with CI/CD tools and concepts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Advanced degree from an accredited program in engineering or a related STEM field

  • Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads, their relationships with other subsystems, and mission-level performance

  • Proficiencywith software development processes and tools including compilers, IDEs, software engineering and coding standards

  • Experience with Linux/Unix systems, network architecture, and cyber security

  • Experience with machine learning and AI development

  • Understanding in developing and/or testing real-time embedded software

  • Knowledge working with Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$100,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.