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Embedded Flight Software Engineer Jobs in El Segundo, CA

K2 Space

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$123K - $160K/yr

... embedded software on microcontrollers, and many things in-between. As a part of the team, you will ... Experience with spacecraft flight software development * Fluency with Linux systems programming and ...

Vast

Staff Flight Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Vast is looking for a Staff Flight Software Engineer , reporting to Senior Manager, Flight Software ... Experience with Embedded Systems * Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $163,377 per year, or $78.5 per hour.

Flight Software Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA

$123K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Role

The software team at K2 is building our stack primarily in Rust because we believe modern programming languages should be fun, as well as correct. We see Rust as a key enabling technology that allows us to be more effective as software engineers across the entire stack whether that is contributing to the GNC algorithms, application software on flight computers, embedded software on microcontrollers, and many things in-between.

As a part of the team, you will be responsible for the development and verification of the software used to fly some of the largest spacecraft that have ever been flown. You will be able to write mission-critical code that controls propulsion systems, attitude control systems, and power systems to ensure safe and reliable operation of the vehicle. In your first 6 months you will develop core pieces of the software architecture including the strategies for fault tolerance, real-time control, and telemetry downlink. In your first year you will implement larger software systems and begin verifying your code using both software and hardware in the loop simulators. In your first two years you will operate your code on multiple spacecraft, demonstrating robust performance in demanding missions. 

Responsibilities

  • Create software architecture for real-time, fault tolerant control of a 20kW+ spacecraft
  • Develop software applications for control of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, guidance/attitude control, thermal, power, and communications systems
  • Design and implement state machines for robust operation of the spacecraft
  • Author drivers for microcontroller peripherals and external sensors.
  • Create and utilize robust tools to allow for rapid deployment of quality code
  • Perform data analysis and anomaly investigation to identify and resolve software bugs
  • Support integration and testing of the spacecraft subsystems
  • Build and maintain infrastructure to increase reliability when developing and testing software 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a STEM discipline or 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering 
  • Development experience in C/C++ or Rust

Nice to Have

  • Experience with spacecraft flight software development
  • Fluency with Linux systems programming and driver development
  • Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery systems
  • Experience working with hard real-time embedded systems (bare-metal or RTOS)
  • Experience authoring no_std systems in Rust
  • Basic knowledge of electronics, computer architecture, and control systems
  • Experience developing or working with state machines
  • Experience with software verification and testing methods
  • Experience with software and network performance analysis and debugging
  • Experience working in Rust production environments
  • Experience with fault tolerant software design and implementation
  • Experience defining and creating test systems for both hardware-in-the-loop and hardware-out-of-the-loop 

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Base salary range for this role is $123,000 - $160,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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