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Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the critical software systems that control and operate our satellites, ensuring reliable performance and mission success in the ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the critical software systems that control and operate our satellites, ensuring reliable performance and mission success in the ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the critical software systems that control and operate our satellites, ensuring reliable performance and mission success in the ...

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Flight Software Engineer information

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$53

$74

How much do flight software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 II

Flight Software Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

$102K - $140K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 

FLIGHT SOFTWARE ENGINEER II

We are currently seeking a Flight Software Engineer II for our team based out of headquarters in Long Beach, CA . In this role, you will play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You'll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit. To be successful in this role, you must want to see your software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

  • Develop application software to run within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux
  • Develop hardware drivers to interface to Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests to run within a Continuous Integration framework
  • Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality
  • Collaborate with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers in developing, documenting and validating requirements
  • Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet company coding standards
  • Participate in design reviews such as a PDR and CDR
  • Assist with on-orbit (and interplanetary!) flight operations

 YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
  • 2+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
  • Proficiency in C and C++ languages 
  • Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
  • Active Secret security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Advanced Degree
  • Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP within an embedded system
  • Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

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