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Contract Aviation Software Engineer Jobs in California

Protingent

Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Software Engineerwith our client located in San Jose, CA. * We're looking for a junior software engineer who can help build production applications ...

CPMC LLC

Software Engineer (SECRET)

San Diego, CA · On-site

CPMC, LLC Contract: Government contract proposal with the Department of Navy Duration: 5-year ... Software Engineers research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized ...

Geologic

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$44.08 - $169.44/hr

Software Engineer Client: Top Aerospace and Defense company Schedule: 9/80 Location ... San Diego, CA Contract Length: Long-term Contract Education: Bachelors Degree Rate: $32 to $123 ...

Geologics

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$32 - $123/hr

Software Engineer Client: Top Aerospace and Defense company Schedule: 9/80 Location ... San Diego, CA Contract Length: Long-term Contract Education: Bachelors Degree Rate: $32 to $123 ...

Geologics

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$32 - $123/hr

Software Engineer Client: Top Aerospace and Defense company Schedule: 9/80 Location ... San Diego, CA Contract Length: Long-term Contract Education: Bachelors Degree Rate: $32 to $123 ...

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All JobsContract Aviation Software Engineer JobsContract Aviation Software Engineer Jobs in California

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 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 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 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.

Principal Software Engineer (Autonomy)

Lynx Software Technologies

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer (Autonomy)
Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.
Compensation: $160,000 - $200,000 + Bonus Eligible
Security Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance
Who we are: Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety-critical environments.
As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.
Description:
Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a senior-level Embedded Software Engineer who is ready to work with a talented team to provide innovative solutions for tomorrow's problems. This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing multi-site team and must be self-motivated with strong work ethic, time-management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.
Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Continued eligibility for access to classified information is required throughout employment, as dictated by program needs.
Basic Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
  • 8+ years Strong software development experience using C, C++, Java, Python, and Bash for embedded systems, automation, testing, and application development.
  • Experience developing and configuring autonomous flight systems using ArduPilot and/or PX4 flight controllers.
  • Experience with UAS/UAV or RC aircraft operations, integration, and troubleshooting.
  • Proficient with Git for source control, branching strategies, code reviews, and collaborative software development.
  • Understanding robotics, autonomous systems, flight software, sensor integration, and embedded system design
  • Proficient with Linux and Windows development environments
  • Ability to professionally communicate project status and collaborate on technical solutions with clients and peers
  • Ability to obtain Secret DoD security clearance
  • 25% travel

Preferred / Additional Skills:
  • Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
  • Familiarity with the MAVLink communication protocol, including telemetry, command-and-control messaging, mission planning, and integration with ground control stations.
  • DevOps & Containerization - Experience with Docker-based development, deployment, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
  • Embedded Systems - Developing software for microcontrollers and embedded hardware platforms.
  • Autonomy Systems - Working with autonomous systems software and hardware, including Perception (sensors, computer vision, sensor fusion)
  • Motion and mission planning
  • Control systems
  • Test & Verification Engineering - Creating automated tests, validation frameworks, and verification software.
  • Software Quality & CI/CD - Designing and maintaining robust software quality processes, automated builds, testing, and deployment pipelines.
  • Electrical Engineering Fundamentals - Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and collaborate with hardware teams.
  • Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance

Sound Exciting? Get in touch today! We have very robust benefits including:
  • Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
  • 401K with generous employer match
  • Responsible Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
  • Remote work opportunities based on role
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career growth and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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