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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California

Stratolaunch

Flight Software Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II, Sr., or Staff level Embedded Software Engineer to participate in the development and testing of flight software for an autonomous ...

Impulse Space

Flight Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $280K/yr

Description As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design ... Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux * Experience using ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Software Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II, Sr., or Staff level Embedded Software Engineer to participate in the development and testing of flight software for an autonomous ...

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Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

What is an embedded flight software engineer?

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 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 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 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:

Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Flight Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Flight Software Engineer - Embedded Linux

Starpath

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Starpath
Starpath is building the technology to enable human expansion into the Solar System. We are developing a complete end-to-end system for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon and Mars. We plan to launch autonomous rovers to the Moon that will gather icy regolith from permanently-shadowed regions of craters near the Lunar South Pole and deliver that regolith to an automated plant that can process it into liquid oxygen, which will be used to refuel landers for their return flights to Earth.
If high ownership, fast pace, and doing hands-on work that will enable our rovers to explore and mine the Moon sounds like a dream come true, come join the team!
Senior Flight Software Engineer - Embedded Linux
We're building a rover to explore the Lunar South Pole, and we're looking for an embedded Linux expert to own the systems software for our NVIDIA Orin-based Autonomy Computer. This position requires deep experience working with the Linux kernel, device tree, boot chain, device drivers, and board support packages for ARM platforms. Previous experience with space flight software is strongly preferred, but not an absolute requirement.
As the owner of the Linux platform software for the Autonomy Computer, you will work closely with experts in robotics, autonomy, teleoperation, and network communications as well as the embedded software engineers developing the microcontroller-based Control Computer. The platform software will provide the foundation for the autonomy and teleoperation software that directs the low-level control system. This platform must support rapid development of autonomy capabilities with our rover prototypes, but also be sufficiently reliable and fault-tolerant to be launched as flight software on our rover's mission to the Moon.
Starpath is a fast-paced, low-bureaucracy work environment, and the people who thrive here are those who enjoy working hard, facing difficult challenges, and making rapid progress toward an ambitious vision of the future. Our goal is to launch our rovers to the Moon within the next 1-2 years, demonstrate industrial-scale ISRU for refueling landers, and pave the way for a permanent human lunar base.
Responsibilities
  • Own the rover's Linux platform layer - kernel, drivers, BSP, and boot chain - and be expert on the Autonomy Computer's systems software
  • Own and extend the current BSP, including device tree and pin muxing
  • Own the interface software for CAN, RS-485, USB, CSI, and Ethernet devices, including sensors, cameras, and. motor controllers
  • Own the over-the-air software update system
  • Design robust systems for fault detection, identification, and recovery
  • Work closely with the software engineers developing the autonomy and control software and the electrical engineers designing the avionics hardware
Required Qualifications
  • Deep hands-on experience with the Linux kernel and boot chain
  • Experience authoring and debugging device trees and pin muxing for embedded ARM platforms
  • Experience with serial, CAN, and Ethernet device drivers
  • 5+ years experience with embedded Linux at the kernel/driver/BSP level
  • 5+ years experience programming in C
  • Evidence of exceptional engineering ability
  • Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field OR demonstrated excellence at coding via significant professional experience
  • A desire to make humans a multi-planet species
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing space flight software (strong preference)
  • Experience developing software to control real robots, autonomous vehicles, or remotely-controlled vehicles
  • Experience with NVIDIA Jetson platform
  • Experience with ZFS
  • Experience developing software that is tolerant to radiation effects (SEEs)
  • Track record of delivering highly reliable software on a tight schedule
Position Details
  • Location: Los Angeles - Hawthorne
  • Salary base rate is $155-200k/yr plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experience
  • PTO & health/dental/vision coverage included
Additional Requirements
  • Willingness to work extended hours as needed

EAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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