Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in California

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
The Software Engineering Manager leads a team of embedded software and cryptographic engineers developing advanced computing, communications, and COMSEC solutions for satellite avionics and payload data processing systems. This role combines technical leadership with people management, guiding the design, development, integration, and verification of secure, rugged, and Low Size, Weight, and Power (Low-SWaP) aerospace products. Working closely with Systems, Hardware, FPGA, and Test Engineering teams, the Software Engineering Manager drives engineering excellence, establishes development processes, mentors technical staff, and ensures delivery of high-quality software solutions that meet mission-critical customer requirements. Active U.S. Security Clearance required.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Lead and Develop Engineering Teams: Hire, mentor, and manage a team of embedded software and cryptographic engineers, fostering technical growth, accountability, and high performance.
• Drive Software Development Excellence: Establish and maintain standards, processes, and best practices for the design, development, documentation, testing, and configuration management of embedded software systems.
• Guide Secure Software Architecture: Lead the development of embedded software and cryptographic solutions for multi-core processor and FPGA-based systems, ensuring compliance with industry and government security standards.
• Manage Complex Development Programs: Oversee software requirements, architecture, implementation, integration, verification, and release activities for embedded Linux and RTOS-based products.
• Collaborate Across Engineering Disciplines: Partner closely with Systems, Hardware, FPGA, Test, RF, Mechanical, and PCB Engineering teams to develop high-performance aerospace products.
• Advance Product Reliability and Security: Ensure networking, cryptographic, and communications software solutions meet performance, reliability, cybersecurity, and compliance requirements.
• Support Continuous Improvement: Drive enhancements to development processes, automation frameworks, testing methodologies, and team workflows to improve quality, efficiency, and scalability.

• Technical Leadership: Providing strategic direction, mentorship, and technical oversight for complex embedded software and cryptographic development efforts.
• Embedded Software Development: Understanding real-time embedded systems, Linux-based platforms, device drivers, networking protocols, and secure communications architectures.
• Cryptographic Systems: Applying cryptographic technologies and security best practices to develop secure, mission-critical aerospace solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Building strong partnerships across engineering disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and deliver integrated products.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 or more years of experience in embedded software engineering, preferably within the aerospace, spacecraft, or defense industry.
• 5 or more years of experience leading and managing software engineering teams.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and/or Rust for embedded systems development.
• Extensive experience designing, developing, and integrating cryptographic solutions for embedded systems and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Experience with software architecture, object-oriented design principles, software integration, debugging, and system-level verification.
• Experience developing networking and communications protocols; FPGA/software co-design experience is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with hardware design, FPGA development, Python-based test automation, and CI/CD environments is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical documentation, and communication skills.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret level or higher) required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $155,000 to $190,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.
To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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