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C Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Advanced software development in C++ * Excellent thinking and problem-solving skills * Physics, Math, or Engineering education background * Ability to work collaboratively to conceptualize and ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (SIMULATIONS) As a Software Engineer on the Simulations team, you will design, develop, and test our in-house simulation software supporting all SpaceX flight systems. You will ...

As a Software C++ Engineer, you'll design, develop, and maintain software systems that our customers depend on. You'll work across a modern C++ codebase, contribute to CI/CD automation, and ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, BACKEND (C/C++) As a Software Engineer on the test infrastructure team, you will design, develop, and maintain SpaceX's in-house testing ecosystem that powers software and hardware ...

Head of Software Engineering

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$279K/yr

... C, NASA-STD-8739.8, or equivalent) • Drive hardware/software co-design and integration with electrical, systems, and mechanical engineering teams • Build, grow, and retain a high-performing ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, BACKEND (C/C++) As a Software Engineer on the test infrastructure team, you will design, develop, and maintain SpaceX's in-house testing ecosystem that powers software and hardware ...

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 ...

Head of Software Engineering

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$279K/yr

... C, NASA-STD-8739.8, or equivalent) • Drive hardware/software co-design and integration with electrical, systems, and mechanical engineering teams • Build, grow, and retain a high-performing ...

Software Engineer, C++

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

We're seeking talented C++ software engineers on several teams to contribute to projects that are shaping the future of defense. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Design, develop, and optimize high-performance, low ...

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 ...

Software Engineer, C++

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

We're seeking talented C++ software engineers on several teams to contribute to projects that are shaping the future of defense. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Design, develop, and optimize high-performance, low ...

Showing results 41-60

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 9, 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 cities in California are hiring for C Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most C Software Engineer job openings:
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.

Flight Software C++ Engineer with Security Clearance

Toyon Research Corporation

Goleta, CA • On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

U.S. Citizenship is Required. Ability to qualify for a US Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance required. Candidate must be SAP program eligible. This position is in person. 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 research and development of new flight systems, from requirements definition to prototype hardware test and delivery. Responsibilities * Design, develop, and test flight software components in C++ for embedded systems
* Develop and maintain firmware for flight controllers and related hardware
* Participate in software code reviews and contribute to improving software development processes
* Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, scientists, and project managers to translate technical requirements into robust and efficient software solutions
* Develop and execute rigorous testing methodologies, including unit, integration, and system-level testing in simulation and on actual flight hardware
* Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code adhering to best practices and coding standards
* Contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and architecture design to coding, verification, and validation of flight-critical software
* Design, develop, and implement real-time, safety-critical flight software in C/C++ for embedded systems within aerospace and defense platforms Requirements * Deep Systems Knowledge: A bachelor’s degree encompassing a strong academic background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on embedded systems and real-time computing
* Mastery of Embedded C/C++: Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated professional experience developing safety-critical, real-time embedded software using C or C++
* Aerospace/Flight Software Expertise: Proven experience working with flight software principles, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and understanding of aerospace hardware interfaces and protocols 
* Navigating Embedded Systems: Proven capability to rapidly understand and contribute to complex embedded software architectures, device drivers, and low-level hardware interactions
* Commitment to Mission Criticality: A profound passion for building highly reliable, safety-critical flight software that directly ensures mission success and public safety.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills
* Ability to develop software independently and as part of a team
* Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
Preferred * Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or a physical science
* Demonstrated experience with software/firmware Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
* Demonstrated experience implementing DO-178C standards for aerospace avionics or MISRA equivalents
* Strong understanding of statistics and data analysis
* Demonstrated experience using Monte Carlo methods for systems-level analysis
* Experience with guidance, navigation, and control
WE OFFER AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE! * Competitive Industry Pay
* 100% Employer-Paid Medical Insurance Premium
* HSA with Employer Contributions
* Dental and Vision Coverage Options
* Paid Holidays
* Paid Vacation and Sick leave
* Company Funded 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plans
* Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
* Life and Disability Insurance  
* Paid Parental Leave
* Discretionary Bonus Eligibility
The annual pay range for the Flight Software C++ Engineer position is $130,000 to $220,000. The posted pay range values provide the candidate with guidance on annual base compensation for the position, at a full time level of effort, exclusive of overtime, bonus, and benefits-related compensation, over a range of qualifications that may fit hiring objectives. Toyon Research Corporation will consider the individual candidate’s education, work experience, applicable knowledge, skills and training, among other factors, when preparing an offer of employment.   Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability and Veterans    Applicant Privacy Notice  Learn more about our company in our latest video, We are Toyon.  The application window for this posting will remain open until the position is filled.    Ref #2647-H