Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California

Embedded Flight Software Engineer- Per Diem available for eligible candidates

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, integrating, and testing real-time embedded flight software for space vehicles. You will contribute throughout the software lifecycle, working within a modern CI/CD pipeline and Agile framework to deliver high-reliability, mission-critical software that supports satellite systems and space-based imagery capabilities for ground forces.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement real-time embedded software in C++ for VxWorks-based systems used in space vehicles.
• Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, and test teams to ensure seamless software integration across all subsystems.
• Participate actively in Agile development cycles, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, code reviews, and retrospectives.
• Develop, configure, and maintain CI/CD pipelines to support automated builds, testing, and deployment of flight software.
• Support software verification and validation activities in lab environments and on flight hardware to ensure reliability and performance.
• Prepare for and support the transition of the program into a classified environment, following all relevant processes and guidelines.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of development practices, tooling, and documentation within the flight software team.
• Assist in troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving issues found during integration, test, and flight operations.
• Collaborate on implementing and maintaining telemetry and command-related functionality for spaceflight systems.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in C++ development for embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience with VxWorks 6.0 or greater.
• Strong understanding of real-time embedded systems and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and related tools for automated builds and testing.
• Familiarity with Agile software development practices and workflows.
• Proficiency with Git for version control and collaborative development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• Ability to work on-site on a 9/80 schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing software for space applications or satellite systems.
• Experience in flight software development for space vehicles or similar mission-critical systems.
• Knowledge of command and telemetry systems for spaceflight or aerospace platforms.
• Familiarity with the organization’s development environments and tools.
• Experience working on programs that support space-based imagery or defense-related systems.
• Understanding of spaceflight operations and constraints is a plus.

Work Environment

This position is fully on-site in Huntington Beach, supporting a satellite program that delivers rapid, space-based imagery to ground forces. You will work as part of a dedicated flight software team embedded in a multidisciplinary environment alongside systems, hardware, and test engineers. The team follows Agile development practices and uses modern CI/CD pipelines, Git-based workflows, and real-time operating systems such as VxWorks. The role operates on a 9/80 schedule, providing a structured workweek with every other Friday off, and includes work in lab environments and on flight hardware as the program transitions into a classified setting.

This is a Contract position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $90.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Huntington Beach,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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