Software Applications Manager Jobs in California

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As an Embedded Software Applications Engineer II at Innoflight, you will serve as the technical bridge between customers, Manufacturing Engineering, and Research & Development, diagnosing and resolving complex embedded software and firmware issues affecting high-reliability aerospace systems. You will analyze flight telemetry, reproduce field issues in laboratory environments, perform root cause analysis, and collaborate across Software, Hardware, FPGA, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to improve product reliability and ensure mission success.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Diagnoses Embedded Software & Firmware Issues: Investigate customer-reported software and firmware anomalies by analyzing flight telemetry, system logs, and returned hardware to identify and resolve complex issues.
• Performs Root Cause Analysis: Troubleshoot embedded Linux and RTOS-based systems using laboratory diagnostic equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers, to isolate software, firmware, and hardware interactions.
• Supports Embedded System Development: Analyze embedded processor architectures, board support packages (BSPs), bootloaders, kernel modules, and firmware implementations to determine failure mechanisms and improve system reliability.
• Troubleshoots Communication Interfaces: Investigate issues involving embedded communication protocols such as SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, SpaceWire, Ethernet, and secure networking implementations.
• Partners Across Engineering Teams: Collaborate with Software, Hardware, FPGA, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality teams to communicate findings, implement corrective actions, and improve future product performance.
• Supports Customer Success: Serve as the technical interface for software-related customer escalations by translating complex technical issues into actionable solutions and communicating findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Drives Continuous Improvement: Track software defects, support configuration management, recommend product enhancements, and verify corrective actions through laboratory testing.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Embedded Software Debugging: Diagnosing complex software and firmware issues across Linux and RTOS-based embedded systems using structured root cause analysis.
• Embedded Systems & Communication Protocols: Working with embedded processors, board support packages, bootloaders, and interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, SpaceWire, and Ethernet.
• Cross-Functional Problem Solving: Collaborating across Software, Hardware, FPGA, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to resolve technical issues and improve product reliability.
• Customer-Focused Communication: Clearly communicating technical findings and providing effective solutions to both customers and internal engineering teams.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3 or more years of experience developing, debugging, testing, or sustaining embedded software on Linux and/or RTOS-based systems.
• Strong proficiency with C/C++ and experience performing root cause analysis on embedded software and firmware.
• Experience using laboratory diagnostic equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers.
• Knowledge of embedded processor architectures, Linux kernels, bootloaders, board support packages (BSPs), and embedded software development workflows.
• Experience with embedded communication interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, SpaceWire, and Ethernet.
• Familiarity with Git, Jira, version control, and software configuration management.
• Knowledge of networking and cybersecurity concepts such as TLS, IPsec, AES, or RSA is highly desirable.
• Aerospace, defense, satellite, or other high-reliability embedded systems experience is preferred.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $110,000-$140,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.
To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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