Avionics Engineer Jobs in California
Avionics Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense, aerospace manufacturing, and commercial aviation across Los Angeles, San Diego, and the greater Sacramento area. Major employers with deep roots in the state include Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Lockheed Martin, each maintaining large facilities that hire at levels from entry-level technicians to senior systems engineers. The most in-demand specialties are flight control systems, embedded avionics software, and navigation and communications integration. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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At Lanteris Space, our next generation spacecraft range from Earth observation to interplanetary missions, including the Lunar Gateway Power and Propulsion Element (PPE).
We are looking for a Sr. Avionics/Command and Data Handling Subsystem Engineer to join our growing team in San Jose, CA. This position may also be performed remotely within the U.S. This position provides an opportunity to develop avionics architectures for various mission types, including low earth orbit constellation designs. The role will be responsible for onboard computer systems, onboard data storage, and required interfaces to have components communicate and function together to provide command and data handling capabilities.
The ideal candidate will act as the engineering focal point for the entire avionics subsystem of a spacecraft being designed. You should have sound knowledge of the physical components and the relationship these will have within various systems to ensure all systems integrate well and perform as expected. Collaborating closely with a cohort of system and subsystem leads, you will develop avionics subsystem requirements and specifications through analysis and system trade studies, translating customer requests into feasible design solutions. You will assist in flowing down avionics & data handling requirements into unit specifications, subsystem verification tests, and risk reduction plans. You may participate in vendor selection if new unit design is required.
Responsibilities:
- Develop subsystem designs, and perform requirements definition and flowdown. This may also involve performing trade studies and analyses to evaluate and optimize total system performance to meet customer operation requirements
- Develop interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents related to Avionics subsystems such as (Electrical Power Systems, Flight Computing, Command and Data Handling, etc )
- Evaluate and optimize data bus selection and design
- Create telemetry budgets & provide inputs for avionics subsystem sizing
- Collaborate with Flight Software, Database, Harness and other engineers, providing command and data handling expertise to other subsystems as needed. Here, you will also create command, telemetry, and sequence records, as well as input for other associated records
- Perform verification and validation of the designed system, which will include resolving technical such as those experienced during FSW testing, and Satellite and develop solutions with cross-functional teams to assure mission success
- Present concepts of operation and other analyses or findings to customers and senior management
- Develop and test mission operational products and procedures
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or a related field. A masters degree may count as two years of experience.
- 8 years of electrical system command and data handling architecture or relevant experience in electrical / avionics engineering for space applications, or an adjacent technical industry
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- 10+ years of relevant experience, including experience developing solutions to complex electrical/electronic and command and data handling technical problems
- Familiarity with the space environment and its effect on satellite systems
- Experience in analysis, design, and implementation of hardware systems, including high-speed digital circuit design and embedded processing and control
- Knowledge of electronics design and electrical communication standards, such as RS-422/485, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire/Ethernet, CAN, SPI, I2C
- Software development experience to solve problems, implement process improvements, or support automation (e.g. Python, C++, Java, Matlab,VBA, etc.)
- Strong collaboration, communication, and team/project leadership skills
In support of pay transparency at Lanteris Space Systems, we disclose salary ranges on all U.S. job postings. The successful candidate’s starting pay will fall within the salary range provided below and is determined based on job-related factors, including, but not limited to, the experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills, geographic work location, and market conditions. Candidates with the minimum necessary experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skillsets for the position should not expect to receive the upper end of the pay range.
The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $124,000.00 - $206,000.00 annually. The base pay for this position within New Jersey is: $124,000.00 - $206,000.00 annually. The base pay for this position within Delaware is: $124,000.00 - $206,000.00 annually. The base pay for this position within the Washington, DC metropolitan area is: $137,000.00 - $228,000.00 annually. The base pay for this position within California is: $143,000.00 - $238,000.00 annually.For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees. More information on our benefits will be shared with candidates as they move forward in the recruitment process.
Additionally, this position is incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved; the specific incentive plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions.The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.
The date of posting can be found on the Lanteris Space Systems Career page at the top of each job posting.
To apply, submit your application via the Lanteris Space Systems Career page.
Lanteris Space Systems values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See All 116+ Avionics Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Avionics Engineer JobsAvionics Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Avionics Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- SpaceX17

- Impulse Space11

- Relativity Space9

- Varda Space Industries9

- Vast7

Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in avionics engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering from an accredited program
- Active or eligibility for a DoD security clearance, required by most California defense contractors
- Hands-on experience with avionics systems integration, testing, and verification
- Proficiency with MIL-STD and DO-178C standards relevant to airborne systems development
- Experience using MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent tools for avionics modeling and simulation
- Familiarity with FAA regulations and certification processes for civil or military avionics systems
Avionics Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a avionics engineer in California?
Avionics engineers in California typically start with a bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering from an accredited university such as Caltech, UCLA, or San Diego State. California does not issue a state-specific avionics license, but engineers working on civil aircraft systems must align with FAA certification requirements. Many California defense roles also require a DoD security clearance, so starting the clearance process early through an employer sponsor is a practical part of the career path.
Which companies hire avionics engineers in California?
Employers hiring avionics engineers in California right now include SpaceX, Impulse Space, and Relativity Space, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers means openings appear consistently across both large prime contractors and smaller systems integrators supporting programs at Edwards Air Force Base and other installations.
Which California cities have the most avionics engineer jobs?
The California cities with the most avionics engineer openings are Long Beach, Hawthorne, and Los Angeles. Los Angeles and its surrounding communities anchor the largest share of openings because of the dense cluster of aerospace and defense contractors headquartered or operating there, while San Diego draws heavily from Navy aviation programs and defense electronics firms, and the Sacramento region benefits from proximity to McClellan and other military and government aviation operations.
Are there remote avionics engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Avionics engineering is a hands-on discipline that typically requires lab access, hardware testing, and proximity to aircraft or secure facilities. About 65% of avionics engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in systems architecture, documentation, and software-focused roles rather than hardware integration or flight test work.
How can I get hired as a avionics engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an internship or new-graduate program at one of California's major defense and aerospace employers, where companies like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Technologies run structured rotational programs that place candidates without field experience into systems integration or test support roles. Candidates who come from adjacent positions such as avionics technician, electrical test engineer, or aerospace quality assurance often transition into engineer roles after demonstrating hands-on systems knowledge. A strong academic portfolio with coursework in embedded systems or flight controls, combined with eligibility for a security clearance, gives applicants a meaningful edge in California's defense-heavy market.
Where can I find and apply to avionics engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to avionics engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the roles that fit your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 116+ Avionics Engineer Jobs in California
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