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Contract Aviation Software Engineer Jobs in California

PDS Tech Commercial

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$132.02/hr

Software Engineer (LabVIEW)Build the Test Systems Driving the Future of Aerospace Innovation PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leading aviation and defense innovator to hire a Software ...

pds

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$132.02/hr

Software Engineer (LabVIEW) Build the Test Systems Driving the Future of Aerospace Innovation PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leading aviation and defense innovator to hire a Software ...

Reliable Robotics

Build Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$185K - $230K/yr

Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient ... As a Build Software Engineer, you will own the systems that enable quick and reliable building ...

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Contract Aviation Software Engineer information

What is a contract aviation software engineer?

A Contract Aviation Software Engineer is a software developer who works on a temporary or project-based basis to design, develop, and maintain software systems used in the aviation industry. These professionals may be responsible for creating flight control software, avionics systems, simulation tools, or air traffic management solutions. They often work for airlines, aircraft manufacturers, or aerospace companies, and their contracts may vary in length depending on the project's scope. Typically, contract engineers bring specialized skills and flexibility to teams needing to meet specific project deadlines or technical requirements.

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

To thrive as a Contract Aviation Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as C, C++, or Ada), a solid understanding of avionics systems, and typically a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards like DO-178C, real-time operating systems, and software development tools such as Git, Jira, and MATLAB is highly valuable. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working with multidisciplinary teams and meeting tight deadlines. These skills ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and compliant software solutions in the highly regulated aviation industry.

What is the difference between Contract Aviation Software Engineer vs Contract Aerospace Software Engineer?

AspectContract Aviation Software EngineerContract Aerospace Software Engineer
Required CredentialsRelevant software development certifications, aerospace industry knowledgeSimilar certifications, specialized aerospace industry experience
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturers, airlines, aerospace firmsAerospace research centers, defense contractors
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in aviation and commercial aircraft sectorsPrimarily in space, defense, and satellite sectors

Contract Aviation Software Engineers and Contract Aerospace Software Engineers share similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in industry focus. Aviation engineers work on commercial and private aircraft, while aerospace engineers focus on space and defense projects. Both roles require specialized software expertise and industry knowledge, but their work environments and applications vary significantly.

What are the typical challenges faced by contract aviation software engineers when integrating software with existing avionics systems?

Contract aviation software engineers often encounter the challenge of ensuring compatibility between new software and legacy avionics systems, which can involve working with outdated documentation and strict regulatory requirements. Accurate testing and validation are essential, as aviation software must meet rigorous safety and reliability standards. Close collaboration with hardware engineers and compliance specialists is common, and the ability to quickly adapt to varying project scopes and client expectations is crucial for success in contract roles.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs in California?

For Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Aviation Software Engineer job openings:

Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Aviation Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Staff Software Engineer, Engineering Applications

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The Staff Software Engineer will be responsible for developing full-stack web applications and integration tools to support aerospace engineering teams, ensuring reliability and scalability of the infrastructure and tooling created.
Responsibilities:
• Develop Full-Stack Web Applications and Integration Tools: Design, build, and maintain modern Typescript, Javascript and Go applications to assist with testing, data capture, and config management of our aircraft. This work will span web applications, web APIs and desktop environments, initially focused on the management of airplane system test lab configurations.
• Identify Gaps in Processes and Workflows: Use existing vehicle development knowledge and previous experience to identify new tooling and application needs, as well as optimize or refactor existing toolchains and integrations
• Build for Reliability: Ensure the infrastructure and tooling you create are scalable, reliable, and easy to maintain. Document your work and champion best practices across the engineering organization.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with hardware engineers, embedded software developers, and integration / lab teams to understand their requirements and build the tools they need to succeed.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong emphasis on tooling, automation, or DevOps.
• 2+ years of software tool development experience in the Aerospace industry
• Experience with front-end development (e.g. using Typescript / React)
• Experience with back-end development (e.g. using Node Express or Gin)
• Strong ability with relational databases and schema design (e.g using postgres)
• A strong foundation in software development best practices, including version control (Git), code reviews, and testing.
Preferred:
• Familiarity with GraphQL and GraphQL backend engines (bonus for Hasura)
• Experience with modern React/TypeScript frontend libraries (e.g. Flowbite-React, PrimeReact )
• Proficient in writing and maintaining automated tests using frameworks (e.g. Jest, React Testing Library)
• Demonstrable experience designing, building, and maintaining Tailwind CSS Web Interfaces
• Experience building RESTful APIs
• Experience with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of hardware communication standards like CAN bus, ARINC-429, or RS-422.
Company:
Archer develops electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, autonomous flight systems, and aviation software. Founded in 2020, the company is headquartered in San Jose, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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