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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Our Client is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support the development and integration of flight critical software for autonomous spacecraft systems. This role spans both ground mission ...

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Flight Software Engineer As our Flight Software Engineer, you will support the the development, execution, and implementation of the flight software that commands and monitors the spacecraft.

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will work closely with our hardware and systems engineers to design, develop, and implement software for our cutting-edge aircraft systems. Responsibilities:

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will work closely with our hardware and systems engineers to design, develop, and implement software for our cutting-edge aircraft systems. Responsibilities:

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will work closely with our hardware and systems engineers to design, develop, and implement software for our cutting-edge aircraft systems. Responsibilities:

Flight Software Engineer Department: Software Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $120,000 - $180,000 / year Description As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you ...

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$135K - $225K/yr

Flight Software Engineer - Build Next-Generation Spacecraft Systems for High-Energy Missions! El Segundo, CA | On-site Opportunity Summary Join a venture-backed aerospace startup developing advanced ...

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is excited to develop software that is used to control and fly our products. You will have the ...

Description As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of the software that powers our Space Vehicles. You will work closely with ...

The Software team at Samara is looking for a Flight Software Engineer to join us in building an entirely new class of satellite systems. We are looking for someone who is curious, kind, and has high ...

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a full-time Sr-, Staff-, or Principal-level Software Engineer to lead the development and testing of flight software for an autonomous ...

The Senior Flight Software Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing software that controls and manages spacecraft systems and operations. This role involves collaborating ...

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a full-time Sr-, Staff-, or Principal-level Software Engineer to lead the development and testing of flight software for an autonomous ...

The Senior Flight Software Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing software that controls and manages spacecraft systems and operations. This role involves collaborating ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$35

$53

$74

How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight software engineer in California is $53.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.38 and $58.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Flight Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Software Engineer, you need strong expertise in computer science, embedded systems, and control theory, usually supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with C/C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and aerospace industry standards like DO-178C is highly valued, along with certifications in safety-critical software development. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities set top candidates apart. These skills ensure software reliability, mission success, and seamless collaboration in safety-critical aerospace environments.

What does a Flight Software Engineer do?

A Flight Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software that controls and monitors spacecraft, satellites, or aerospace vehicles. They ensure the software meets strict performance, reliability, and safety requirements for missions. This includes writing real-time code, integrating with hardware, debugging issues, and optimizing systems for efficiency. They work closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and mission operators to ensure seamless functionality.

What are some typical challenges faced by Flight Software Engineers, and how do they overcome them?

Flight Software Engineers often face challenges such as developing software for safety-critical systems with strict reliability and performance requirements, as well as troubleshooting issues in complex avionics environments. They regularly work under tight deadlines and must rigorously test and validate code to meet aerospace certification standards. Overcoming these challenges involves thorough documentation, close collaboration with hardware and systems engineers, and a commitment to continuous learning about evolving technologies. Employers value engineers who can adapt quickly, employ systematic debugging, and communicate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Software Engineer jobs in California? For Flight Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,248 per year, or $53 per hour.
Flight Software Engineer

Flight Software Engineer

W3Global Inc.

Torrance, CA

$160K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Our Client is seeking a Flight Software Engineer to support the development and integration of flight critical software for autonomous spacecraft systems. This role spans both ground mission operations software and vehicle side embedded software, with ownership from architecture through testing and flight readiness. You will work closely with avionics, guidance navigation and control, and systems engineering teams to bring spacecraft from concept to flight.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop mission operations software used to plan, execute, and monitor missions in real time

  • Design, implement, and integrate flight software for spacecraft systems

  • Build ground software services for telemetry, command, data handling, and visualization

  • Develop embedded software for flight computers, sensors, and actuators

  • Collaborate with avionics, propulsion, and GN&C teams to define software interfaces and data models

  • Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and simulation environments

  • Support software in the loop testing, hardware in the loop testing, environmental testing, and flight operations

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

  • 4 or more years of experience in flight software, embedded software, or mission operations software

  • Experience with telemetry and command systems or mission control software

  • Experience working with space systems such as satellites, rovers, or launch vehicles

  • Experience developing embedded software for real time or safety critical systems

  • Familiarity with hardware in the loop testing and fault tolerant system design

  • Exposure to DevOps practices and automated testing pipelines

  • Experience with cloud based ground systems or mission operations platforms is a plus

  • Ability to work independently in small, fast paced engineering teams

Additional Requirements

  • This is a fully on site position. Remote or hybrid work is not available

  • U.S. Citizenship required

  • Ability to obtain or currently hold an active TS/SCI clearance


W3Global logo

About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006