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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California

Flight Software Engineer As our Flight Software Engineer, you will support the the development ... Experience with building bare-metal embedded system software * Experience with reading schematics ...

Flight Software Engineer Department: Software Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach ... Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux * Experience using ...

Embedded operating systems, (Yocto, Buildroot, etc.), file systems and boot-loaders. * NASA's Core Flight System (cFS), F Prime (F'), or other embedded software frameworks. * Software development ...

Embedded operating systems, (Yocto, Buildroot, etc.), file systems and boot-loaders. * NASA's Core Flight System (cFS), F Prime (F'), or other embedded software frameworks. * Software development ...

Embedded operating systems, (Yocto, Buildroot, etc.), file systems and boot-loaders. * NASA's Core Flight System (cFS), F Prime (F'), or other embedded software frameworks. * Software development ...

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Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Flight Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Flight Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or engineering, proficiency in C/C++ programming, and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems. Familiarity with aerospace standards, software development tools (such as Git, Jenkins), and certifications like DO-178C for software safety are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure reliable, safe, and efficient software for mission-critical aerospace applications.

What are some common challenges Embedded Flight Software Engineers face when working on spacecraft projects?

Embedded Flight Software Engineers often work under strict reliability and safety requirements, which means testing and validation are critical and highly rigorous. They frequently collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure software and hardware integration is seamless, and must manage constraints such as limited processing power and memory. Additionally, they need to adapt to changing project requirements and tight deadlines, all while staying up-to-date with evolving aerospace standards and technologies. These challenges make strong problem-solving skills and effective communication essential in this role.

What are Embedded Flight Software Engineers?

Embedded Flight Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software that runs on embedded computer systems within aircraft, spacecraft, or satellites. They work closely with hardware engineers to ensure that the software interfaces correctly with sensors, actuators, and control systems used for flight operations. Their responsibilities often include programming in languages like C or C++, debugging real-time systems, and ensuring compliance with safety and reliability standards. This role is critical in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aerospace vehicles.

What is the difference between Embedded Flight Software Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Flight Software EngineerEmbedded Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; experience with aerospace standardsBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related; similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft, satellites, aerospace industry, safety-critical systemsConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial devices, various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace and defense sectorsBroad industry application including automotive, medical, consumer electronics
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared due to specialized embedded software in aerospaceMore general embedded systems roles in various sectors

Embedded Flight Software Engineers focus on developing software for aerospace applications like satellites and spacecraft, requiring specialized knowledge of aerospace standards. In contrast, Embedded Systems Engineers work across multiple industries, designing software for everyday devices. While both roles involve embedded programming, the industry focus and application environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in California? For Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution.

Flight Software Engineer

Mach Industries

Huntington Beach, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

About Mach Industries
Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.
Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.
The Role
We are seeking a talented Software Engineer, Flight Software (new grad to senior) to join our team developing safety-critical, real-time embedded software for aerospace and defense platforms. In this role, you will design, develop, and implement flight software that powers next-generation autonomous systems, working at the intersection of embedded systems, real-time computing, and aerospace engineering.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement real-time, safety-critical flight software in C, C++, and Rust for embedded systems within aerospace and defense platforms.
  • Engineer highly efficient and reliable embedded software solutions, focusing on resource constraints, low-level hardware interaction, and deterministic behavior.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and aerospace specialists to integrate flight software with avionics, sensors, and control systems.
  • Develop and execute rigorous testing methodologies, including unit, integration, and system-level testing in simulation and on actual flight hardware.
  • Contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and architecture design to coding, verification, and validation of flight-critical software.

Required Qualifications
  • Strong proficiency in C, and C++ for embedded systems programming.
  • Hands-on experience with embedded systems and/or real-time operating environments, including low-level hardware interactions, device drivers, and complex embedded software architectures.
  • Proven experience working with flight software principles, hard real-time operating environments, and understanding of aerospace concepts, hardware interfaces, and protocols.
  • Understanding of MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Strong academic background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on embedded systems and real-time computing (degree not strictly required; demonstrated skills and experience take precedence).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Aerospace background in aerodynamics, aircraft concepts, or avionics.
  • Experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems - including mission and trajectory planning, state estimation, and typical control laws (PID, LQR, etc).
  • Experience with computer vision, perception, or robotics concepts.
  • Strong proficiency in Rust for embedded systems programming.
  • Game development background, particularly console development or low-level systems programming.

Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach's total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.