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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Staff Flight Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Vast is looking for a Staff Flight Software Engineer , reporting to Senior Manager, Flight Software, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

Astranis

Flight Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

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.

Hermeus

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$159K - $195K/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. We are open to ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$159K - $195K/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. We are open to ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$159K - $195K/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. We are open to ...

Vast

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$128K - $169K/yr

Vast is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to own flight software development and verification for a new constellation-ready spacecraft bus - a product line designed to scale to hundreds of ...

Vast

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$159K - $226K/yr

Vast is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to own flight software development and verification for a new constellation-ready spacecraft bus - a product line designed to scale to hundreds of ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

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$35

$53

$74

How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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 job categories do people searching Flight Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Software Engineer job openings:
Flight Software Engineer jobs near you
Flight Software Engineer

Flight Software Engineer

Reliable Robotics

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.
Responsibilities
As a Flight Software Engineer, you will develop highly deterministic C++ software in a bare metal environment that works with sensors & control systems, robustly handles system faults, and integrates with other vehicle subsystems. You'll drive requirements and implement excellent unit tests. You'll also have the opportunity to work directly with flight hardware in the lab and on the plane, plan flight testing, and watch your code fly an aircraft.
Basic Success Criteria
  • B.S. Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years professional programming experience in C or C++
  • Professional experience developing software for high performance embedded or safety critical applications

Preferred Criteria
  • Experience using advanced C++ language features in production code
  • Thorough understanding of computer architecture, operating systems and networking
  • Ability to work in a self-directed manner in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience developing software for aerospace applications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Flight Software links together the mechanical, avionics, algorithmic, and embedded worlds to actually make the airplane fly. The core nature of the role offers the opportunity to interact with teams and components across the entire automated aircraft and to specialize in the areas most exciting to you.
This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.
All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.
At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co

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