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Avionics Software Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Avionics Software information

See Reno, NV salary details

$16

$31

$44

How much do avionics software jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for avionics software in Reno, NV is $31.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.55 and $35.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Avionics Software Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are avionics software engineers?

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 avionics software?

Avionics software refers to the specialized computer programs used in aircraft systems to control navigation, communication, flight management, and other critical functions. Avionics software developers design, test, and maintain these programs, often working with real-time operating systems and adhering to strict safety standards such as DO-178C.

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.

Does an avionics engineer pay well?

Avionics engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialized skills in designing and maintaining aircraft electronic systems. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and certifications, but the profession generally offers strong compensation within the aerospace industry.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of avionics software, senior engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can reach annual salaries of $500,000 or more. These high salaries are typically associated with aerospace companies, government contractors, or senior management positions that require advanced certifications and expertise in embedded systems, safety standards, and software development. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior avionics software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in embedded systems, and advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often involve leadership, complex system development, and working in aerospace or defense industries, sometimes requiring long hours and security clearances.
What job categories do people searching Avionics Software jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Avionics Software jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Avionics Software jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Avionics Software job openings:
Fall 2026 Graduate Engineer Internship/Co-op

Fall 2026 Graduate Engineer Internship/Co-op

SpaceX

Sparks, NV • On-site

$100K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 63 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

FALL 2026 GRADUATE ENGINEER

As a Graduate Engineer, you will be responsible for working on creative solutions to real aerospace challenges. You will be given as much responsibility as our full-time engineers and will be an integral part of the team. If you've demonstrated a commitment to academic success and motivation to apply your knowledge outside of the classroom, you are a great candidate!

Graduate Engineer roles are available with a variety of engineering teams across the company including design, manufacturing and operations at Bastrop, TX; Cape Canaveral, FL; Hawthorne (Los Angeles), CA; Irvine, CA; McGregor (Waco), TX; Redmond, WA; Starbase, TX and Vandenberg, CA.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
  • Enrolled in a graduate program by the start of employment and holds a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics or math discipline
  • Applicant for this graduate engineer position must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (e.g., green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • GPA of 3.5 or above
  • 9+ months experience of application of technical skills outside of the classroom (examples: laboratory, research, extracurricular project teams, volunteering, personal projects or prior internship/work experience)
  • Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic professional setting with changing needs and requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able to work full time, onsite for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in August or September 2026
  • Able to provide own transportation for positions at Bastrop, Cape Canaveral, McGregor and Vandenberg locations

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Graduate Engineer/Completed Bachelor's: $83,200.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed Master's: $91,000.00/per year Graduate Engineer/Completed PhD: $100,100.00/per year

Your salary will be determined by academic level. Pay is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs, as well as access to our comprehensive medical coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan. Students joining SpaceX through our graduate engineer program will receive the opportunity to attend presentations from company leaders, social and networking events, as well as professional and personal development trainings. Graduate Engineers are also eligible for paid company holidays. SpaceX offers 10 or more paid holidays per year.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:

DRAGON: Dragon is the most advanced human-rated spacecraft in the world. This capsule currently delivers critical science, cargo and crew safely to and from International Space Station, but further iterations and new designs will likely be necessary to extend humankind's reach to the moon, Mars, and beyond. This program includes roles in: Analysis, Avionics, Build Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, Life Support Systems, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Structures Design & Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering and more.

FALCON: The Falcon program tackles space exploration's toughest problems through the ongoing development of our reusable launch vehicles, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. These vehicles are currently responsible for delivering commercial, national security, and NASA satellites into orbit, as well as supply critical science, supplies, and crew to the International Space Station. This program includes roles in: Analysis, Avionics, Build Engineering, Components Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, Launch Site Operations & Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Recovery Engineering, Structures Design & Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering and more.

STARLINK: At SpaceX, we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 1M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. This program includes roles in: Analysis, Avionics, Components Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Operations Engineering, Structures Design & Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering and more.

STARSHIELD - Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As an intern on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of U.S. National Security. This program includes roles in: Avionics, Build Engineering, Components Engineering, Integration & Test Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Design & Engineering, Structures Engineering, and more.

STARSHIP: The Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket - collectively referred to as Starship - represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. As the most powerful launch system ever developed, Starship will be able to carry up to 100 people on long-duration, interplanetary flights. Starship will also enable satellite delivery, the development of a Moon base and point-to-point transport here on Earth. This program includes roles in: Analysis, Avionics, Automation & Controls, Build Engineering, Civil Engineering, Components Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Launch Site Operations & Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Structures Design & Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, Test Engineering and more.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.


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