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Avionics Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Implement spacecraft avionics software * Implement ground control and telemetry software * Implement software for automated testing at component, functional and system levels, including HITL ...

This role owns the technical vision across avionics, ground systems, mission operations, and data platforms, ensuring our software is scalable, reliable, and ready to support a rapidly growing fleet ...

Flight Software Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$198K - $277K/yr

As Flight Software Manager, you will lead the team responsible for the mission-critical software running on the aircraft - flight controls, avionics, payload integration, datalink, and onboard health ...

As Flight Software Manager, you will lead the team responsible for the mission-critical software running on the aircraft - flight controls, avionics, payload integration, datalink, and onboard health ...

Avionics Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with software engineering to integrate, troubleshoot, and verify ground software ... Years of experience in avionics system integration and/or test engineering for aerospace ...

Avionics Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors ... YOUR MISSION We are seeking a talented and motivated Avionics Test Engineer to join our growing ...

Avionics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

You'll work closely with structures, software, and integration and test teams to deliver avionics that survive launch, orbital, and reentry environments. You'll report to engineering leadership and ...

You'll work closely with structures, software, and integration and test teams to deliver avionics that survive launch, orbital, and reentry environments. You'll report to engineering leadership and ...

Avionics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

You'll work closely with structures, software, and integration and test teams to deliver avionics that survive launch, orbital, and reentry environments. You'll report to engineering leadership and ...

Showing results 21-40

Avionics Software information

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

To thrive as an Avionics Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as C/C++), a solid understanding of avionics systems, and typically a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), industry standards like DO-178C, and version control systems is commonly required, along with certifications in safety-critical software development. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure the reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of software that controls critical aircraft systems.

What is an avionics software engineer?

Avionics software engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain the software systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. Their work ensures that navigation, communication, flight control, and other critical systems operate reliably and safely. They collaborate with hardware engineers and comply with strict industry regulations to guarantee the performance and safety of avionics systems. Avionics software engineers often use specialized programming languages and tools tailored to the aerospace industry.

What are some common challenges faced in an avionics software role, and how can they be addressed?

Avionics Software professionals often encounter challenges such as strict regulatory compliance, real-time system constraints, and ensuring the safety and reliability of their code. Working within rigorous development and testing processes, including DO-178C guidelines, can be demanding but is essential for aircraft certification. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers and systems teams helps to address integration issues early. Staying organized, maintaining clear documentation, and participating in code reviews are all crucial strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Avionics Software vs Avionics Hardware Technician?

AspectAvionics SoftwareAvionics Hardware Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in software engineering, computer science, or related field; certifications like FAA Part 147 may be beneficialRequires technical diploma or associate degree; certifications such as FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, testing software systems in labs or office settingsMaintaining, repairing, installing hardware components in aircraft or maintenance facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on software development for avionics systems used in aircraftHandles physical hardware components used in avionics systems

In summary, Avionics Software professionals develop and test the software that controls aircraft systems, while Avionics Hardware Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing the physical hardware components. Both roles are essential in the avionics industry and often collaborate to ensure aircraft safety and functionality.

What cities in California are hiring for Avionics Software jobs? Cities in California with the most Avionics Software job openings:
Infographic showing various Avionics Software job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Sr Avionics Test Systems Engineer, Ground Systems

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
The Avionics team is responsible for the full lifecycle of Terran R's nervous system, designing, building, testing, installing, and operating the hardware that connects and controls every major electrical system on the vehicle and ground.
The team's structure intentionally combines avionics design, manufacturing, and test to enable rapid iteration and feedback loops. Engineers are deeply embedded into other functions within Relativity, working closely with propulsion, GNC, fluids, and stage engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and operation. Now is a unique time to join: you'll get to help shape Terran R's fundamental avionics architecture and be given a high degree of ownership on components that will fly.
About the Role:
We are seeking Sr Avionics Test Systems Engineer, Ground Systems supporting our vehicle ground test support systems. Candidates with strong experience in designing, building, and deploying test systems that interface directly with flight hardware. In this role, you'll lead the development of robust electrical and mechanical systems that support vehicle test, integration, and launch in challenging environments. You'll work cross-functionally with avionics, propulsion, structures, test, and software teams to ensure our ground systems are reliable, flexible, and safe. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on high ownership, fast iteration, and seeing their systems go from concept to launchpad.
As an Sr Avionics Test Systems Engineer, Ground Systems you will:
  • Lead design, development, build, and integrate critical ground systems that support engine test, vehicle integration, and launch operations
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with vehicle, propulsion, avionics, software, test, and operations teams to deliver robust, scalable systems on tight timelines
  • Oversee fabrication, bring-up, and validation of test systems, including electrical testing, calibration, and functional checks
  • Author interface control documents (ICDs) and engineering release drawings to ensure tight alignment between electrical ground support equipment and flight/avionics hardware
  • Work closely with safety, operations, and launch teams to ensure systems are compliant and operable under high-stakes conditions

About You:
  • Undergraduate or graduate degree (BS/MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and deploying test systems or electrical integration systems in aerospace or high-reliability environments
  • Strong knowledge of electrical signal integrity, grounding schemes, shielding, and power systems
  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and commissioning electromechanical ground systems
  • Familiarity with common communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet, RS-422, CAN, MIL-STD-1553) and ground systems standards (ASME, API, and NASA/AF).
  • Familiarity with data acquisition and control system platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Experience with CAD tools such as NX and Teamcenter
  • Experience with wire harness design tools such as Zuken
  • Familiarity with a PCB design modeling tool such as Altium Designer
  • Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB for data acquisition/recording and analysis
  • Familiarity with common communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, UART, SPI, etc
  • Familiarity with data acquisition and control system platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range:
$148,000-$222,000 USD
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.
Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.

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