Temporary Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Flight Software Developer

Job Description

The Flight Software Developer will design, develop, integrate, and test real-time embedded software for space vehicles. This role focuses on delivering high-reliability flight software using modern CI/CD practices and Agile methodologies. The position directly supports satellite development that provides rapid, space-based imagery to ground forces as part of a U.S. Army program.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement real-time embedded software in C++ for VxWorks-based systems used on space vehicles.
• Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, and test teams to ensure seamless software integration across the full system lifecycle.
• Participate actively in Agile development cycles, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, code reviews, and retrospectives.
• Develop, maintain, and improve CI/CD pipelines to support automated builds, testing, and deployment of flight software.
• Support software verification and validation in lab environments, including integration testing and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Support software testing and validation activities on flight hardware to ensure mission readiness and reliability.
• Prepare for and support the transition of the program into a classified environment by following appropriate processes and security practices.
• Contribute to documentation of software design, interfaces, and test results to support certification and mission assurance.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve issues in real-time embedded environments to maintain system performance and reliability.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in C++ development for embedded systems, including experience with real-time constraints.
• Hands-on experience with VxWorks 6.0 or greater as a real-time operating system.
• Strong understanding of real-time embedded systems, including concurrency, timing, and resource management.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and tools to automate builds, tests, and deployments.
• Familiarity with Agile software development practices, including iterative development and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Git for version control, including branching, merging, and code review workflows.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• Ability to work on-site on a 9/80 schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing software for space applications or satellite systems.
• Experience in flight software development for space vehicles or similar mission-critical systems.
• Knowledge of command and telemetry systems used in spaceflight operations.
• Familiarity with development environments and tools commonly used in aerospace and defense software projects.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams that include systems, hardware, and test engineering.
• Understanding of software verification and validation practices for safety- and mission-critical systems.

Work Environment

This role is fully on-site in Huntington Beach, supporting a satellite program that delivers rapid, space-based imagery to ground forces. The position follows a 9/80 work schedule, providing a structured yet flexible workweek. You will work in a lab and office environment alongside systems, hardware, and test engineers, using real-time embedded development tools, VxWorks-based platforms, CI/CD toolchains, and Git-based workflows. The program will transition into a classified environment, so work will follow established security processes and protocols appropriate for sensitive defense-related projects.

This is a Contract position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $90.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Huntington Beach,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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