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Aviation Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will empower everyone to experience the joy and freedom of flight. EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER - EL SEGUNDO ...

Embedded Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will empower everyone to experience the joy and freedom of flight. EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER - EL SEGUNDO ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

Elevate Global Aviation Safety as our next Software Engineer! Ready to make a tangible impact on global industries using cutting-edge technology? As a Software Engineer in our Field Systems segment ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

Elevate Global Aviation Safety as our next Software Engineer! Ready to make a tangible impact on global industries using cutting-edge technology? As a Software Engineer in our Field Systems segment ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 21, 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 is an aviation software engineer?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aviation software engineer?

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 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:

Infographic showing various Aviation Software Engineer 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 $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer - Special Purpose Software

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$108K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

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.

Overview

In this role you will be involved in the architecture and implementation of the embedded software at the heart of Joby Aviation aircraft. You will play a key role in a small, fast-moving team and have input into conceptual system design and implementation of embedded software for a wide range of embedded systems. Their role will be to design and implement versions of all our existing embedded systems currently on the Joby aircraft to be specific for a range of manufacturing and test applications. This will require a deep understanding of the various embedded systems on the aircraft and how to creatively reconfigure them for new applications and usages.

Responsibilities
  • Architect, design, and implement low-level embedded software powering core airborne systems and aircraft functionality
  • Adapt and reconfigure existing aircraft embedded software systems to support dedicated manufacturing, tooling, and specialized test applications
  • Contribute technical insights to conceptual system design discussions within a fast-moving, cross-functional engineering team
  • Deliver robust, production-ready embedded software tailored to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test setups, automated test equipment, and factory line operations
  • Analyze embedded flight systems and protocols to diagnose technical issues, optimize system performance, and repurpose firmware for novel operational usages
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, Mathematics, Robotics, or a related technical field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience in embedded software development; or a Master's degree in a related technical field with 1+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent demonstrated experience through a robust portfolio of designed and deployed embedded software systems
  • Demonstrated knowledge of C++ and object-oriented programming and methodology with some experience with multi-layered system architectures
  • Understanding of hardware from an embedded software engineer's perspective
  • Experience with modern integrated development environments and debuggers
  • Hands-on experience with test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, voltmeters, etc.
  • Understanding of modern microcontroller and microprocessor architectures such as ARM
  • Cortex-M0/M3/M4/A8/A9
  • Knowledge of and experience with communication protocols including I2C, CAN, SPI, UART, etc.
  • A positive attitude and a passion for aerospace
  • Ability to be onsite in Santa Cruz, CA 3 days a week
Desired
  • Knowledge of and experience with real-time operating systems
  • Experience with safety-critical embedded systems
  • Exposure to the software development process and modern software engineering techniques
  • Experience with DO178C process, requirements authoring and verification
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $108,200 - $193,600/yr. 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

Employment Type: FULL_TIME