Application Software Developer Jobs in California

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $104,000 to $129,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment. 

SUMMARY

The Application Software Engineer II is responsible for developing, testing, integrating, and maintaining operator-facing application software used in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) ground control, mission planning, telemetry visualization, and mission execution workflows. Engineers at this level contribute to software features and system integrations while applying strong software quality practices to ensure solutions are reliable, maintainable, and fit for operational use.

We are looking for someone with a solid foundation in software engineering principles, including requirements implementation, code quality, verification and validation, debugging, and technical documentation. Application Software Engineer II employees work collaboratively with software, avionics, systems, and test engineers to deliver well-tested software, resolve issues efficiently, and support the successful integration of software across the UAS ecosystem. Engineers at this level are expected to execute assigned work with increasing independence, maintain attention to detail, and promote a culture of quality throughout development, testing, and release activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and enhance software applications supporting UAS operations and mission execution.
• Implement features and resolve defects in accordance with requirements, design guidance, coding standards, and quality processes.
• Participate in technical reviews to ensure software quality, reliability, and maintainability.
• Plan, develop, and execute unit, integration, and system tests to verify functionality and requirements compliance.
• Support system verification and validation by defining test objectives, methods, success criteria, and required data collection.
• Build and maintain internal tools and automation that improve development, testing, verification, troubleshooting, and operational workflows.
• Identify, investigate, and report software defects, integration issues, and system anomalies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to integrate software and support lab, ground, and flight test activities.
• Prepare technical documentation such as test procedures, test reports, release notes, and troubleshooting guides, and support configuration management and release processes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering discipline required.
• 2+ years of professional software development experience, or equivalent combination of education and applicable project experience.
• Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as C#, Python, C++, or Java.
• Experience designing, developing, testing, and debugging software applications.
• Working knowledge of software development lifecycle
• Experience developing and executing unit and integration tests
• Ability to identify, document, and troubleshoot software defects
• Ability to read, understand, and implement software requirements and technical documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional engineering environment
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance when appropriate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience developing software for aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, defense, or other safety-critical systems.
• Experience developing internal engineering tools, automation solutions, or test utilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to software quality through testing, documentation, code reviews, and adherence to engineering processes.
• Experience supporting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), bench test, or flight test activities.
• Familiarity with networking concepts, serial communications, vehicle interfaces, or sensor integration.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and issue-tracking tools.
• Experience using automated test frameworks and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) tools.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESSP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.