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Avionics Software Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Umbra

Senior Flight Software Engineer (Rust)

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

... avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is ...

Umbra

Senior Flight Software Engineer (Rust)

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is ...

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All JobsAvionics Software Engineer JobsAvionics Software Engineer Jobs in Washington

Avionics Software Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$55.5K

$126.1K

$192K

How much do avionics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for avionics software engineer in Washington is $126,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $154,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What typical projects or responsibilities can an avionics software engineer expect in their daily work?

Avionics Software Engineers often design, develop, integrate, and test software for aircraft control systems, navigation, and communication modules. They regularly collaborate with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and quality assurance teams to ensure systems meet rigorous safety and reliability standards. Daily responsibilities may include coding embedded applications, troubleshooting software anomalies, participating in design reviews, and documenting compliance with industry regulations. The role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to the safety and performance of modern aircraft.

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

Avionics Software Engineers need a solid background in computer science, embedded systems, and aerospace engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with programming languages like C/C++, MATLAB, and DO-178C certification or similar safety-critical development standards is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are standout soft skills. These capabilities ensure the development of reliable, high-quality avionics software crucial for flight safety and system performance.

What does an avionics software engineer do?

An Avionics Software Engineer develops, tests, and maintains software systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. They work on embedded systems for flight control, navigation, communication, and other critical avionics functions. Their role involves ensuring software reliability, compliance with industry regulations, and integration with hardware components. They often use programming languages like C, C++, or Ada and follow safety standards such as DO-178C.

What are popular job titles related to Avionics Software Engineer jobs in Washington? For Avionics Software Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Avionics Software Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Avionics Software Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Avionics Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Avionics Software Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,062 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Principal Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Who We're Looking For
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
We are seeking a Principal Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to serve as the technical authority for the GNC subsystem across multiple spacecraft programs, leading architecture, design, procurement, integration, and verification.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Own the end-to-end GNC/ACS architecture from concept development through flight operations.
  • Own GNC subsystem level requirements.
  • Lead spacecraft attitude and control system design, including actuator sizing, sensor selection, control authority, and momentum management strategy.
  • Define and implement control laws for high-ฮ”V maneuvering, precision pointing, station-keeping, and proximity operations.
  • Architect state estimation frameworks (EKF/UKF, sensor fusion pipelines, covariance management) for robust on-orbit performance.
  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity 6DOF spacecraft simulation environments for analysis, trade studies, verification, and anomaly resolution.
  • Establish GNC verification and validation strategy across analysis, SIL/HIL, hardware integration, and flight test.
  • Support propulsion-coupled dynamics modeling, including thrust misalignment, slosh effects, and flexible-body considerations as needed.
  • Lead GNC participation in system-level reviews (MCR, SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and serve as the primary technical voice for the discipline.
  • Analyze flight telemetry and test data to assess performance, diagnose anomalies, and drive configuration or algorithm updates.
  • Define safe-mode, fault management, and degraded control strategies in partnership with FSW and systems engineering.
  • Mentor and manage GNC engineers, establishing best practices, code standards, simulation frameworks, and technical rigor across the team.
  • Support early-orbit operations and critical mission phases as required.

What It Takes
  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
  • 15+ years of experience in spacecraft GNC/ACS development, including full lifecycle flight programs.
  • Demonstrated ownership of a spacecraft attitude and/or orbit control system through design, integration, and flight.
  • Deep expertise in rigid-body dynamics, orbital mechanics, estimation theory, and modern control methods.
  • Strong experience with thruster-based ACS architectures and propulsion-coupled control systems.
  • Proven ability to independently architect GNC systems and make system-level trade decisions.
  • Experience implementing flight algorithms in C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink, with awareness of real-time constraints.
  • Experience integrating GNC with flight software and avionics, including SIL/HIL validation.
  • Ability to analyze telemetry and diagnose complex on-orbit or integrated system anomalies.
  • Systems-level thinking across propulsion, avionics, software, and mission design.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership and mentorship experience.
  • Comfort operating in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with evolving mission needs.

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • Experience with high-ฮ”V vehicles, cislunar missions, GEO servicing, or RPO missions.
  • Experience designing control systems for agile or propulsive maneuvering spacecraft.
  • Background in autonomous maneuver planning or onboard decision-making systems.
  • Experience with flexible-body dynamics, propellant slosh modeling, or structural-control interaction.
  • Familiarity with MAX FSW and MAX GDS or other modern COTS flight software frameworks.
  • Experience with multi-agent relative navigation or machine learning for estimation, perception, or task planning.
  • Experience leading small technical teams in startup or NewSpace environments.
  • Prior support of on-orbit commissioning or anomaly resolution efforts.

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Build and validate the GNC capability that defines how our spacecraft maneuver, point, and operate autonomously.
  • Innovation - Shape next-generation GNC architectures, algorithms, and tools for high-agility missions.
  • Impact - Directly influence spacecraft controllability, autonomy, and mission success across cislunar and GEO operations.
  • Growth - Collaborate across avionics, FSW, systems, and mission ops, with opportunities to expand into dynamics modeling, autonomy, or flight operations.
  • Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA
Base Salary: $175,000 - $225,000
The salary range for this role is determined based on a variety of factors including work experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. ยง1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

Apply