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C Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (DRAGON) As a software engineer on the Dragon team, you will develop, analyze and verify the mission critical software configurations that fly our Dragon Crewed and Cargo ...

SpaceXAI

Software Engineer - Network (C++)

Palo Alto, CA

$180K - $440K/yr

... engineering, math, or a related technical discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree. * Strong development experience in C or C++. PREFERRED SKILLS ...

Toyon

Flight Software C++ Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

Toyon is seeking a passionate and talented Flight Software C++ Engineer to join our growing team developing cutting-edge aerospace flight systems and diagnostic tools. This role is critical to ...

SpaceXAI

Software Engineer - Network (C++)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$180K - $440K/yr

... engineering, math, or a related technical discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree. * Strong development experience in C or C++. PREFERRED SKILLS ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer, C++ (Starlink)

Sunnyvale, CA

$155K - $185K/yr

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (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 ...

TEKsystems

Software Engineer (C++)

Redondo Beach, CA

$50 - $85/hr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience. * Experience developing software applications in C+

Jobsbridge

C++ Software Engineer

Davis, CA

... software development experience with a fluency and passion for C++ (STL, C++ 11, Boost, Clang ... engineering, or mathematics Recommended Qualifications: Experience with one or more of the ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer, C++ (Starlink)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable). • Development experience in C, C ...

TEKsystems

Software Engineer (C++)

Redondo Beach, CA

$50 - $85/hr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience. * Experience developing software applications in C+

SS&C

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

As a leading financial services and healthcare technology company based on revenue, SS&C is ... Software Engineer Locations : San Francisco, CA (hybrid) About the Role The Geneva Web Team is part ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer, C++ (Raptor)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (RAPTOR) We are looking for exceptional C++ software engineers who thrive on building high-performance, reliable systems that directly impact production speed and quality. Our ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsC Software Engineer JobsC Software Engineer Jobs in California

C Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$121.5K

$189.5K

How much do c software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for c software engineer in California is $121,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $142,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a C software engineer?

To thrive as a C Software Engineer, you need a deep understanding of C programming, algorithms, data structures, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as GCC, Git, debugging profilers, and sometimes certifications in software development are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding C Software Engineers apart. These competencies are essential for building reliable, efficient software and collaborating effectively in technical environments.

How does a C software engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a development project?

C Software Engineers frequently work alongside cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, QA testers, and project managers. Collaboration often involves participating in code reviews, integrating low-level code with hardware components, and ensuring software meets performance and reliability standards. Effective communication is essential, as these engineers must translate technical requirements and troubleshoot issues that may arise at the intersection of software and hardware. Regular meetings and documentation are standard practices to keep everyone aligned and maintain project momentum.

What does a C software engineer do?

A C Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications and systems using the C programming language. They typically work on performance-critical applications, embedded systems, operating systems, or device drivers. Their responsibilities include writing efficient code, debugging, optimizing existing code, and collaborating with other engineers to ensure software reliability and maintainability. C Software Engineers must have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals and problem-solving skills.

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

AspectC Software EngineerC++ Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; knowledge of C languageBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; knowledge of C and C++ languages
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems, operating systems, device driversApplication development, game engines, software tools
Industry UsageEmbedded systems, firmware, hardware interfacingSoftware applications, game development, high-performance computing

The main difference between a C Software Engineer and a C++ Software Engineer lies in the programming languages they specialize in. C engineers focus on low-level programming for embedded systems and hardware interfaces, while C++ engineers work on more complex applications that require object-oriented features. Both roles require similar foundational skills but differ in application scope and complexity.

What are popular job titles related to C Software Engineer jobs in California? For C Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching C Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for C Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for C Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most C Software Engineer job openings:
C Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various C Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,525 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Software Engineer, C++ (Dragon)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 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.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (DRAGON)
As a software engineer on the Dragon team, you will develop, analyze and verify the mission critical software configurations that fly our Dragon Crewed and Cargo vehicles. You will partner cross-functionally to ensure software is configured to each mission's specifications and needs. You will be responsible for ensuring the vehicle behaves as expected, and troubleshoot flight software when necessary. You will have a direct impact on our ability to launch and fly vehicles frequently, safely and reliably.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop, execute, and analyze the code and configuration for the software systems that fly our vehicles
  • Invent new tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, automated data review, and automated configuration verification
  • Analyze test results and bugs that require in-depth investigations
  • Troubleshoot flight hardware/software systems with interdisciplinary engineering teams
  • Plan and execute vehicle testing milestones
  • Support mission operations as a flight software specialist
  • Roll out new software changes to the vehicle fleet
  • Occasional travel to launch sites and customer sites for testing and/or operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline OR 2+ years of experience in software development in lieu of degree
  • 1+ years of software development experience in C/C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Basic knowledge of electronics, controls, motor design, and physical mechanics
  • Fluency in Linux, including:
    • Bash shell scripting
    • Network troubleshooting
  • Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems
  • Experience with software documentation, creating system diagrams, and enumerating software requirements
  • Experience with software testing
  • Knowledge of state machines

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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