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Avionics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Avionics Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Avionics Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Reporting To: Brynne Hunt, Manager, Avionics Test Compensation: $105,000 - $150,000 ...

Aetherflux

Sr. Avionics Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Senior Avionics Engineer (San Carlos, CA) Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and ...

Relativity Space

Avionics Test Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$126K - $188K/yr

As an Avionics Test Engineer at Relativity Space, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and executing avionics testing strategies for our rocket systems. This includes working closely ...

The Structures Company

Avionics Test Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$75/hr

Avionics Test Engineer LOCATION: Tustin, CA PAY RATE: $75/hour We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client. Job ...

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All JobsAvionics Engineer JobsAvionics Engineer Jobs in California

Avionics Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$109.8K

$167.3K

How much do avionics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 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.

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 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 must ensure systems meet safety and regulatory standards.

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.
More about Avionics Engineer jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Avionics Engineer jobs in California? For Avionics Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
What are popular job titles related to Avionics Engineer jobs in CA? For Avionics Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Avionics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Avionics Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,846 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Avionics Test Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Avionics Test Engineer
Department: Assembly, Integration & Test
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Reporting To: Brynne Hunt, Manager, Avionics Test
Compensation: $105,000 - $150,000 / year
Description
As an Avionics Test Engineer, you will develop and run tests for all kinds of flight electrical devices, from individual circuit boards to entire vehicles. You will develop, build, and maintain test systems to support hardware from development to production. You will work directly with avionics hardware engineers, propulsion engineers, GNC engineers, production engineers, production technicians, and others. You will have the opportunity to contribute to all the stages of spacecraft development, from initial concepts to on-orbit operations.
Leveling will be commensurate with experience.
Responsibilities
  • Develop end-to-end test systems that validate flight electrical hardware including circuit boards, optical devices, and electromechanical assemblies
  • Own the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of electrical test equipment and ground support hardware
  • Develop automated testing solutions to collect, analyze, and document test data
  • Build and maintain test systems, racks, and setups for component level and integrated testbeds
  • Provide feedback to design engineers to improve Impulse's overall avionics ecosystem.
  • Collaborate with avionics, propulsion, GNC, software, and integration engineers to verify complete test coverage of existing and new test systems.
  • Support launch site activities by traveling with the spacecraft and conducting pre-launch tests.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in any relevant engineering field
  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience testing electrical systems
  • Proficiency in circuit board design using Altium Designer
  • Experience designing and owning test systems from concept to implementation
  • Experience executing tests to support product development and prototyping
  • Comfortable working with design engineers to anticipate and derive test requirements for under-defined systems
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to lead meetings, plan projects, and communicate decisions / rationale

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience working on a vehicle project of any kind (spacecraft, rocket, car, boat, plane, drone, etc.)
  • Experience designing test stands and/or hardware racks
  • Experience designing tests for a production environment
  • Experience working with NI hardware (cRIO, cDAQ etc.)
  • Experience safely operating hazardous systems (high voltage, high pressure, etc.)
  • Experience with vibe tables, thermal chambers, or other aerospace test equipment
  • Familiarity with spacecraft systems and test campaigns
  • Demonstrated success in root cause and/or failure analysis

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.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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.

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