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Aviation Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reliable Robotics

Build Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$185K - $230K/yr

Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient ... As a Build Software Engineer, you will own the systems that enable quick and reliable building ...

Joby Aviation

Senior Software Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$217K/yr

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of software, aviation, and global ... of software engineering experience * Advanced, hands-on experience with Python. * Solid ...

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Aviation Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do aviation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aviation Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

Aviation Software Engineers require strong software development skills, a solid understanding of avionics systems, and typically hold a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages like C/C++, ADA, knowledge of DO-178C certification standards, and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) are crucial. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help them collaborate efficiently across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the creation of reliable, compliant, and safe software critical for aviation systems.

What is an Aviation Software Engineer job?

An Aviation Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems used in aviation, including flight management systems, avionics, air traffic control, and aircraft simulation. They work with programming languages like C, C++, and Python, ensuring software meets strict safety and regulatory standards. Their role may involve optimizing performance, improving reliability, and integrating new technologies into aviation systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Aviation Software Engineer?

Aviation Software Engineers typically spend their days developing, testing, and maintaining software used in aircraft systems such as flight controls, navigation, or communication systems. They collaborate closely with other engineers, quality assurance specialists, and sometimes pilots to ensure that software meets rigorous safety and regulatory standards. Routine tasks often include writing code, debugging, integrating software with hardware, and participating in code reviews and design meetings. This role requires balancing technical tasks with regular communication to resolve challenges and keep projects on schedule.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Aviation Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Aviation Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aviation Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Aviation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Software Verification Engineer, Operations

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA

$102K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.


Aviation Software requires comprehensive testing to ensure safety and to meet flight certification standards. Help Joby Aviation achieve software certification by testing the Embedded C/C++ code that controls vehicle flight and system monitoring.

The candidate should be an energetic, meticulous, self-motivated person with an adamant belief in the importance of product quality. If you love working with new technology, and have passion for innovation and safety, and a hands-on approach this is the job for you.


  • Work with a range of software, processor in the loop, and hardware in the loop simulators representative of the eVTOL system
  • Design, execute and maintain test cases, test plans, test procedures, test reports, and supporting documentation for software certification and validation purposes
  • Develop the skills to become the Software Verification product expert on flight-critical software components and own the testing process
  • Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems
  • Document and report software defects using a bug tracking system
  • Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, user interface, or content
  • Work closely with the Embedded, Flight Sensors and Control Law developers to achieve test objectives
  • We don't maintain ITL anymore so that can be removed

  • B.S. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and 3+ years Industry Experience in Quality Assurance or Test Engineering. An advanced degree and 1+ years experience will also be considered
  • Background in Software Test and Verification on embedded systems
  • Interfacing with embedded software and electronic hardware
  • Development, execution and reporting of manual test cases
  • Demonstratable debugging and troubleshooting skills
  • Reporting of defects and quality metrics
  • Project management, bug tracking and continuous integration tools, e.g JIRA, Jenkins, Team City
  • Must be able to support Joby’s S4 on-site testing so some overnight travel may be required

  • Knowledge of requirements-based testing applying DO-178C Software Certification guidelines
  • Awareness of DO-331 Model based development and verification
  • Programming experience in MATLAB and Simulink
  • Background using Polarion or similar requirements management tools
  • Agile software development and Test Driven Development
  • Robotics Project(s) and/or Drone experience
  • Piloting aircraft, avionics hardware, electric cars or similar systems
  • Python programming and shell scripting proficiency
  • Networking fundamentals
  • Hands-on can-do mentality

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $102,900 - $173,700. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.


Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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