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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Flight Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

$130K - $280K/yr

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 ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, test, and maintain the software that controls Space Kinetic's spacecraft. You will work across the full software lifecycle and collaborate with ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, test, and maintain the software that controls Space Kinetic's spacecraft. You will work across the full software lifecycle and collaborate with ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Software Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

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How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a flight software engineer?

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 challenges do flight software engineers face 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.

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For Flight Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Flight Software Engineer jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Flight Software Engineer job openings:

Flight Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Software Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,248 per year, or $53 per hour.

Flight Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

Impulse Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Impulse Spaceexternal

$130K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

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 avionics engineers, GNC engineers, propulsion engineers, and other cross-disciplinary teams to deliver high-reliability, high-performance software for in-space transportation. 

Responsibilities
  • Contribute to the design, implementation, integration, and verification of software for: 
    • Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms 
    • Command and telemetry handling 
    • Mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management 
    • Closed-loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical systems 
  • Implement features for Impulse’s real-time flight software framework to meet deterministic performance requirements in space environments. 
  • Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation-induced faults. 
  • Direct and participate in code reviews, ensuring compliance with software safety, reliability, and maintainability standards. 
  • Support mission operations and troubleshoot real-time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on-orbit operations. 


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related degrees       
  • 2+ years writing C++ code for an embedded system or vehicle of some kind (robot, car, drone, spacecraft, etc) 
  • Demonstrated understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and computer networking 
  • Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux 
  • Experience using version control, test cases, and other software best practices 


Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Proven track record delivering flight software for spacecraft— including launch vehicles, OTVs, upper stages, or other in-space propulsion systems. 
  • Familiarity with NASA cFS, ROS2, or custom middleware for space applications. 
  • 4+ years of demonstrated experience in designing software for deterministic timing and hard real-time constraints. 
  • Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle. 

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.