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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 ...

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All JobsAviation Software Engineer JobsAviation Software Engineer Jobs in California

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 26, 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.
Principal Software Engineer - OMS

Principal Software Engineer - OMS

Lynx Software Technologies

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Principal SW Engineer - OMS
Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.
Compensation: $160,000 - $200,000 + Bonus Eligible
Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required
Who we are: Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety-critical environments.
As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.
Description
Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a Principal Software Engineer - Open Mission Systems (OMS) to support the development and integration of advanced software capabilities for a military aircraft platform. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to next-generation avionics architectures that enhance interoperability, rapid capability integration, and mission effectiveness for U.S. military aviation programs.
This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing multi-site team and must be self-motivated with a strong work ethic, time-management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.
Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Continued eligibility for access to classified information is required throughout employment, as dictated by program needs.
Basic Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in STEM discipline
• 8+ years of C++ development experience
• Open Mission Systems (OMS) software architecture and development
• C++ mission software development in Linux environments
• Middleware and data distribution (DDS, pub/sub architectures)
• Service-oriented and event-driven software design
• Experience developing Service contracts
• Interface definition, ICD development, and data modeling
• Mission-level simulation and integration testing
• Ability to work onsite 100%
• Ability to travel 10%
Preferred / Additional Skills
• Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
• Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs
• Software development experience in Java
• Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and FACE technical standards
• Integration of third-party mission applications
• Secure and sustainable mission software lifecycle
• CI/CD and configuration management for mission software
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skill
Sound Exciting? Get in touch today! We have very robust benefits including:
  • Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
  • 401K with generous employer match
  • Responsible Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
  • Remote work opportunities based on role
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career growth and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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