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Avionics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Avionics Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Description As a Lead Avionics Engineer , you will be responsible for developing the Avionic systems for Impulse's next generation of space vehicles. You will manage a team of talented electrical ...

Senior Avionics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $185K/yr

Senior Avionics Engineer Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

Senior Avionics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $185K/yr

Senior Avionics Engineer Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

As a Lead Avionics Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in leading the design, analysis, and testing of electrical systems for our hypersonic vehicles. You will collaborate closely with ...

Senior Avionics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $185K/yr

Senior Avionics Engineer Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) The return lane isn't going to build itself. Come build it with us. Outpost is an orbital logistics company ...

Power Avionics Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Power Avionics Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Mission Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy.

New

Lead Avionics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Lead Avionics Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in leading the design, analysis, and testing of electrical systems for our hypersonic vehicles. You will collaborate closely with ...

Vast is looking for an Avionics Manufacturing Engineer, reporting to the Senior Avionics Manufacturing Engineer, to support the development of a variety of products and systems that will be required ...

Power Avionics Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Power Avionics Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Mission Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy.

Lead Avionics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Lead Avionics Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in leading the design, analysis, and testing of electrical systems for our hypersonic vehicles. You will collaborate closely with ...

As an Avionics Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a unique and crucial role in the development and manufacturing of avionics assemblies and components for our portfolio of space products, ranging ...

Avionics Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $171K/yr

Vast is looking for an Avionics Test Engineer, reporting to the Manager of Avionics Testing , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

Senior Avionics Engineer - L3

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$128K - $157K/yr

We are seeking a Senior (L3) Avionics Engineer to contribute to the design, analysis, integration, and verification of spacecraft avionics hardware supporting both command and data handling (C&DH ...

Avionics Production Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

As an Avionics Production Engineer you will have the opportunity to develop, implement, and optimize the production processes for avionics, electrical, and software-loaded hardware across multiple ...

Showing results 21-40

Avionics Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$109.8K

$167.3K

How much do avionics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for avionics engineer in California is $109,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $134,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an avionics engineer?

An avionics engineer designs, programs, and implements electrical systems for aircraft and aerospace vehicles, such as satellites. These technical professionals specialize in providing computer system support for various onboard communication and navigation systems. As an avionics engineer, your job duties include developing navigation system specifications, designing electronic communication equipment, and troubleshooting systems after installation. You must also validate that the newly installed systems and any repaired equipment meet all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and manufacturer specifications.

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

To thrive as an Avionics Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, avionics systems, and strong analytical skills, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry standards, simulation software (like MATLAB/Simulink), and certifications such as FAA or EASA regulations is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this position. These skills ensure the design, integration, and maintenance of reliable avionics systems critical for aircraft safety and compliance.

What are some common challenges avionics engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing aircraft systems?

Avionics Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems and meeting strict regulatory requirements. They must also coordinate closely with cross-functional teams, like software developers and systems engineers, to address issues like electromagnetic interference and data security. Staying up to date with rapid technological advancements while adhering to rigorous testing protocols is essential. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills and collaborative communication to ensure successful and safe integration.

What is the difference between Avionics Engineer vs Aerospace Technician?

AspectAvionics EngineerAerospace Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like FCC or FAAAssociate degree or technical certification in aerospace technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test avionics systems in labs or officesMaintain, repair, and troubleshoot aircraft systems on the ground or in hangars
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing, airlines, defenseAircraft maintenance, repair organizations, aerospace facilities

Avionics Engineers focus on designing and developing avionics systems, requiring higher-level engineering credentials, while Aerospace Technicians handle maintenance and repairs, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

Are avionics engineers in demand?

Avionics engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing need for advanced electronic systems in aircraft, satellites, and defense applications. The industry values skills in systems integration, troubleshooting, and certifications such as FAA or EASA, leading to strong employment prospects and opportunities for specialization.

What do avionics engineers do?

Avionics engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electronic systems used in aircraft, such as navigation, communication, and flight control systems. They work with hardware and software, often using tools like circuit schematics and simulation software, and require knowledge of aerospace standards and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Avionics Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Avionics Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Avionics Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Avionics Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Avionics Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Avionics Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Avionics Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $109,846 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Lead Avionics Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Impulse Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description
As a Lead Avionics Engineer, you will be responsible for developing the Avionic systems for Impulse’s next generation of space vehicles.  You will manage a team of talented electrical engineers who design and test custom circuit boards, working to rapidly develop high reliability electronics.  You will work directly with mission managers, software engineers, propulsion engineers, integration, and customers. You will have the opportunity to contribute to all aspects of spacecraft electronics development, from architecting new systems to building and operating them.

Responsibilities
  • Drive program execution and schedule 
  • Own system trades and analysis, requirement tracking, and risk mitigation
  • Support hardware from concept through design, production, integration, and flight
  • Lead a team of electrical engineers and mechanical engineers responsible for board design, manufacturing, and test
  • Establish and maintain high technical standards and mentor junior engineers
  • Develop qualification and test campaigns to verify designs meet mission requirements
  • Partner with mission managers, firmware, software, mechanical, manufacturing and test teams
  • Drive changes that make the system more efficient, manufacturable, and reliable

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 5+ years professional experience designing electronics for rockets, spacecraft, or other vehicles•
  • Experience with electronic component selection, analysis, simulation, schematics, and layout
  • Knowledge of analog and digital circuit design, power management, microcontrollers, digital and high-speed interfaces (SPI, ethernet, RS-422, etc.)
  • Hands on experience troubleshooting electronics problems at the board level 
  • 1+ years of experience leading a team or technical project

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Master’s degree in electrical engineering or related field
  • Self-motivated with proven ability to lead a technical team and resolve critical issues
  • Experience developing new avionics hardware relevant to spacecraft or rockets and owning project schedules
  • Experience with reliability, radiation, EMC and other relevant concepts when designing avionics for spacecraft
  • Experience in a startup or fast paced agile development environment

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.