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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in El Segundo, CA

K2 Space

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$123K - $160K/yr

Experience with spacecraft flight software development * Fluency with Linux systems programming and ... Experience working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS) * Experience authoring ...

K2 Space

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Experience with spacecraft flight software development * Fluency with Linux systems programming and ... Experience working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS) * Experience authoring ...

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All JobsEmbedded Flight Software Engineer JobsEmbedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in El Segundo, CA

Embedded Flight Software Engineer information

See El Segundo, CA salary details

$74.6K

$163.4K

$185.3K

How much do embedded flight software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded flight software engineer in El Segundo, CA is $163,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,100.00 and $184,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 job categories do people searching Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in El Segundo, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs in El Segundo, CA are:
What cities near El Segundo, CA are hiring for Embedded Flight Software Engineer jobs? Cities near El Segundo, CA 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 El Segundo, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,377 per year, or $78.5 per hour.

Sr./Staff Flight Software Engineer

Lawrence Harvey

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$140K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Flight Software Engineer (Senior & Staff)
West Los Angeles, CA (5 Days Onsite)
$140,000 - $236,000 + Bonus + Equity
We're partnering with a well-funded aerospace startup developing next-generation space systems that are redefining what's possible in orbital operations. Backed by leading venture investors and supported by major U.S. government programs, the company has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting engineering organizations in the commercial space industry.
You'll join an engineer-first culture where small, highly talented teams own complex technical problems from concept through deployment. Engineers are trusted to make meaningful architectural decisions, move quickly, and spend the vast majority of their time building software that directly powers real missions-not navigating layers of process.
The team is tackling challenges that few organizations in the world are working on today, with technology that has both immediate national security applications and enormous long-term commercial potential.
The Role
As a Flight Software Engineer, you'll develop the software that runs directly onboard next-generation spacecraft. Working on the Processing Core team, you'll own critical components of the flight software stack responsible for vehicle operation throughout the mission lifecycle.
This is a true systems engineering role where you'll work close to the hardware, designing highly reliable software that powers autonomous spacecraft in demanding environments. You'll collaborate with hardware, avionics, ground software, and mission operations teams to build software that is tested, deployed, and flown on real missions.
What You'll Do
  • Design, develop, and maintain mission-critical flight software for spacecraft.
  • Build software that interfaces directly with embedded hardware, sensors, and onboard systems.
  • Develop reliable, fault-tolerant software for mission-critical environments.
  • Own features throughout the full software lifecycle, from architecture and implementation through testing, deployment, and flight operations.
  • Partner closely with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate hardware and software across the entire vehicle.

We're Looking For
  • 3+ years of professional software engineering experience (Senior and Staff opportunities available).
  • Strong experience with systems programming using Rust (preferred), C++, or C.
  • Linux development experience.
  • Experience building production-quality embedded systems, flight software, firmware, or other mission-critical software.
  • Experience developing software that interfaces directly with hardware.
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, debugging, and systems design.
  • Staff engineers should have experience leading technical direction and owning complex software systems.

Nice to Have
  • Aerospace, satellite, robotics, autonomous systems, or defense experience.
  • Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), Software-in-the-Loop (SITL), or integration testing.
  • Knowledge of networking, telemetry, fault management, bootloaders, drivers, or real-time systems.
  • Experience developing software for safety-critical or highly reliable environments.

Why Join?
  • Build software that flies on real spacecraft and directly enables mission success.
  • Join a rapidly growing company backed by top-tier investors and major government partnerships.
  • Work alongside an exceptional team of engineers solving some of the most technically challenging problems in aerospace.
  • High ownership, minimal bureaucracy, and the opportunity to shape core flight software architecture from the ground up.
  • Engineer-first culture where you'll spend the vast majority of your time building world-class software instead of sitting in meetings.

Compensation
  • Bases up to 235,000
  • Performance Bonus (10-20%)
  • Equity
  • Comprehensive benefits package

Please note: Due to the nature of this work, applicants must be U.S. Citizens (or otherwise eligible to obtain a security clearance). No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is available.

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