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Real Time Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Understanding software use in high-level system design for real time software in operational ... Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science, or related ...

Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Understanding software use in high-level system design for real time software in operational ... Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science, or related ...

As a Factory Software Engineer, you will develop and deploy software systems for autonomous metal ... real-time embedded Linux, or similar Preferred : • Bachelor's or advanced degree in computer ...

Software Engineer II, Real-time Embedded

Goleta, CA · On-site

$141K - $186K/yr

Raytheon's Electronic Warfare (EW) Software development team is looking to hire experienced Software Engineer II to work on real-time embedded products. * Raytheon Goleta, CA Location What You Will ...

Software Engineer II, Real-time Embedded

Goleta, CA · On-site

$141K - $186K/yr

Raytheon's Electronic Warfare (EW) Software development team is looking to hire experienced Software Engineer II to work on real-time embedded products. * Raytheon Goleta, CA Location What You Will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Real Time Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do real time software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for real time software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Real Time Software Engineer job?

A Real Time Software Engineer develops software that must operate within strict timing constraints, often for systems that require immediate or predictable responses. These engineers work on applications such as embedded systems, robotics, aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications. They design, code, and optimize software to ensure low-latency performance, reliability, and synchronization with real-world events. Their role often involves working with real-time operating systems (RTOS), programming in languages like C or C++, and debugging performance issues.

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

To thrive as a Real Time Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as C or C++, a solid understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS), and a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with development tools like debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems, and certifications such as Embedded Systems Certification can be highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in fast-paced project environments. These skills ensure robust, efficient, and timely software solutions for mission-critical systems across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications.

What are some typical challenges faced by Real Time Software Engineers in their daily work?

Real Time Software Engineers often face the challenge of ensuring that their code meets strict timing and reliability requirements, as even minor delays can cause critical failures in real-time systems. Debugging and testing can be complex, especially when working with hardware integration and low-level system interactions. Engineers in this role frequently collaborate with hardware engineers and cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize performance. Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and best practices is also essential for ongoing success and career advancement in this dynamic field.

Infographic showing various Real Time Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Software Engineer, Starlink Network

Software Engineer, Starlink Network

SpaceX

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Summary:
SpaceX is actively developing technologies to make human life on Mars possible. As a Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges to improve the satellite internet experience for customers, particularly underserved communities.
Responsibilities:
• Develop highly reliable, real-time software designed to run on the gateways, satellites, user terminals, and switches that make up our low latency, high capacity satellite-based global network.
• Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
• Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing.
• Deploy reliable software, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable).
• Development experience in C, C++, or assembly.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Preferred:
• Strong professional experience writing C, C++ or assembly in a production environment.
• Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
• Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing.
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
• Experience with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc) and distributed systems.
• Experience in security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services.
Company:
SpaceX develops and operates rockets, satellite networks, and AI infrastructure including launch, connectivity, and cloud services. Founded in 2002, the company is headquartered in Hawthorne, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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