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C Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GN&C Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) Engineer About the Company Our client is an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced autonomous spacecraft for national security and commercial space ...

IE&C Engineer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$97K - $168K/yr

This role reports directly to the Instrumentation, Electrical, and Controls (IE&C) Engineering Manager within the Systems Engineering department. You will join a highly skilled sub-department of 7+ ...

IE&C Engineer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site +1

$97K - $168K/yr

This role reports directly to the Instrumentation, Electrical, and Controls (IE&C) Engineering Manager within the Systems Engineering department. You will join a highly skilled sub-department of 7+ ...

IE&C Engineer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$97K - $168K/yr

This role reports directly to the Instrumentation, Electrical, and Controls (IE&C) Engineering Manager within the Systems Engineering department. You will join a highly skilled sub-department of 7+ ...

Under direct supervision, the I & C Engineer shall be responsible for overseeing the design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of the I & C systems across plant operations. This role ...

Electrical Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Electrical/Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Engineer We are seeking an Electrical/Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer to join a growing team. This is an extraordinary opportunity to do ...

I&C Engineer II

Temecula, CA · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

Typical engineering responsibilities include reviewing customer specifications and plans ... C departments. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Essential duties and other responsibilities ...

Sr. I&C Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Senior I&C Engineer to manage a local team of 15 in San Jose. Will be working closely with the client owners in a fast paced, dynamic environment to maintain schedule, design requirements, system ...

Netpace Inc is a company seeking skilled C Programmers to join their team. The role involves Python coding expertise and requires building a unit test framework, writing tests, and reporting bugs.

I&C Engineer II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$99K - $109K/yr

Typical engineering responsibilities include reviewing customer specifications and plans, understanding the project scope, and reviewing the project budget, and schedule. The candidate shall be ...

I&C Engineer III

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$120K - $132K/yr

Typical engineering responsibilities include reviewing customer specifications and plans, understanding the project scope, and reviewing the project budget, and schedule. The candidate shall be ...

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Showing results 1-20

C Engineer information

See California salary details

$9

$44

$72

How much do c engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for c engineer in California is $44.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.26 and $57.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a C engineer?

A C Engineer is a software developer who specializes in programming using the C language. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining applications, systems, or embedded software written in C. C Engineers often work on performance-critical systems, operating systems, firmware, or applications where low-level memory management and efficient execution are important. Their role may also include debugging, optimizing code, and ensuring software reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a C engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a C Engineer, you need a solid understanding of C programming, data structures, algorithms, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, debugging tools, and experience in working with embedded systems or operating systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in collaborative and technically challenging environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing efficient, reliable software and contributing effectively to engineering teams.

How do C engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during software development projects?

C Engineers often work closely with hardware engineers, testers, and systems architects to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of software within embedded systems or other platforms. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings, code reviews, and debugging sessions to address hardware-software interface challenges. Effective communication and documentation are key, as C Engineers must clearly convey technical requirements and solutions to team members with varying expertise. This collaborative approach not only speeds up problem-solving but also fosters a more efficient and innovative development environment.

What is the difference between C Engineer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectC EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering; C programming skillsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related; C and embedded systems knowledge
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, office settings, sometimes remoteEmbedded device development, hardware labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageSoftware companies, tech firms, electronics manufacturersConsumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, industrial equipment
Common Search IntentDifferences between C Engineer and Embedded Software EngineerRoles and responsibilities of Embedded Software Engineers

While both roles require proficiency in C programming and work within tech-related industries, C Engineers primarily focus on software development using C, often in general software or system applications. Embedded Software Engineers specialize in developing software for embedded systems, integrating hardware and software for specific devices. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities in California are hiring for C Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most C Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to C Engineer jobs in CA?

For C Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various C Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,163 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

GN&C Engineer

W3Global Inc.

Torrance, CA • On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) Engineer

About the Company

Our client is an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced autonomous spacecraft for national security and commercial space applications. They are building next-generation orbital systems focused on autonomy, resiliency, and mission-critical performance. This is an opportunity to join a small, highly technical team where engineers have significant ownership and direct impact on the product.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) Engineer to develop and validate flight-critical algorithms supporting autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, formation flying, and precision spacecraft maneuvering. This individual will work closely with software, avionics, and systems teams to deliver mission-ready spacecraft capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Develop GN&C algorithms for autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and formation flying

  • Design and validate attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)

  • Model spacecraft dynamics, orbital trajectories, and environmental disturbances

  • Develop state estimation and sensor fusion algorithms utilizing GPS, IMUs, star trackers, LiDAR, and optical navigation sensors

  • Integrate algorithms into embedded flight software using C/C++ and Python

  • Perform hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and validation

  • Conduct Monte Carlo simulations and performance analysis

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

  • 5+ years of GN&C experience supporting spacecraft, launch vehicles, or autonomous systems

  • Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, control theory, and state estimation

  • Experience with Kalman filtering and nonlinear control systems

  • Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++

  • Experience transitioning algorithms from simulation into operational environments

  • U.S. Citizenship required

  • Ability to obtain or currently hold a TS/SCI clearance

Location

  • Torrance, CA

  • Full-time onsite position

  • No remote or hybrid options available


W3Global logo

About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006