Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California
Flight Software Engineer jobs in California are concentrated in the aerospace, defense, and commercial space sectors, with demand at every level from early-career embedded systems engineers to senior guidance, navigation, and control specialists. The largest hiring markets are the Los Angeles basin, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and SpaceX maintain major engineering campuses. The most in-demand specialties include real-time embedded software, autonomous flight systems, and avionics software integration. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 40+ Flight Software Engineer jobs
About Varda
Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About This Role
The Senior Flight Software Engineer is responsible for determining how our spacecraft behaves and operates in orbit and building reliable software to ensure it happens. The team is responsible for all phases of development, starting from requirements capture through testing and flight operational support.
Responsibilities
- Develop reliable flight software that determine how the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operate throughout the entire mission.
- Write quality structured bare metal, RTOS, or Linux based software for embedded processors in C++.
- Own all aspects of software development, from design, testing, and integration.
- Scope projects including requirements capture and initial design trades given open-ended problems.
- Ensure system quality and performance through software test, verification, and validation (V&V) technique.
- Teamwork, communicate and problem solve in a collaborative environment.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering or equivalent technical experience in safety critical software.
- 5+ years of experience in the development of spacecraft or similar safety critical software.
- Experience with development in C++, along with a strong understanding of the language concepts.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- End-to-end experience building and launching a spacecraft.
- Experience developing and testing real-time embedded systems.
- Experience with safety-critical software, especially for aerospace applications.
- Experience with CCSDS telemetry and telecommand system.
- Experience with F' or cFS framework.
- Experience with Python, or Rust.
- Knowledge of basic analog and digital electronics.
- Familiarity with SPI, I2C, CAN, EtherCAT.
Pay Range
- Salary range: Senior Software Engineer: $169,067 - $216,031/ per year.
- This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.
- Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
- You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
Benefits
Consider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.
Regular Full-Time Positions:
Health & Wellness
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
Benefits for Internship Positions:
Health & Wellness
- Paid observed holidays.
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents.
Financial
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement.
- Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
- Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible.
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
ITAR Requirements
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
"US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
Read more Read more
Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
About Varda
Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About This Role
The Senior Flight Software Engineer is responsible for determining how our spacecraft behaves and operates in orbit and building reliable software to ensure it happens. The team is responsible for all phases of development, starting from requirements capture through testing and flight operational support.
Responsibilities
- Develop reliable flight software that determine how the spacecraft, satellite bus, and reentry capsule operate throughout the entire mission.
- Write quality structured bare metal, RTOS, or Linux based software for embedded processors in C++.
- Own all aspects of software development, from design, testing, and integration.
- Scope projects including requirements capture and initial design trades given open-ended problems.
- Ensure system quality and performance through software test, verification, and validation (V&V) technique.
- Teamwork, communicate and problem solve in a collaborative environment.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, physics, engineering or equivalent technical experience in safety critical software.
- 5+ years of experience in the development of spacecraft or similar safety critical software.
- Experience with development in C++, along with a strong understanding of the language concepts.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- End-to-end experience building and launching a spacecraft.
- Experience developing and testing real-time embedded systems.
- Experience with safety-critical software, especially for aerospace applications.
- Experience with CCSDS telemetry and telecommand system.
- Experience with F' or cFS framework.
- Experience with Python, or Rust.
- Knowledge of basic analog and digital electronics.
- Familiarity with SPI, I2C, CAN, EtherCAT.
Pay Range
- Salary range: Senior Software Engineer: $169,067 - $216,031/ per year.
- This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA.
- Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
- You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
Benefits
Consider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns.
Regular Full-Time Positions:
Health & Wellness
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
Benefits for Internship Positions:
Health & Wellness
- Paid observed holidays.
- 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents.
Financial
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement.
- Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible
- Up to $850 commute credit through Lyft or car rental reimbursement, if eligible.
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging
ITAR Requirements
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
"US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
Read more Read more
Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
See All 40 Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Flight Software Engineer JobsFlight Software Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Flight Software Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in flight software engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field
- Proficiency in C or C++ for real-time embedded and safety-critical software development
- Experience with DO-178C software development standards or equivalent avionics certification frameworks
- Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. government security clearance, required by many California defense programs
- Familiarity with guidance, navigation, and control algorithms or autonomous flight system software
- Experience with Model-Based Design tools such as MATLAB and Simulink for flight software verification
Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a flight software engineer in California?
The standard path is a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or aerospace engineering, followed by gaining experience in embedded or safety-critical software development. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for flight software engineers, but many roles at defense contractors require a federal security clearance. Building familiarity with DO-178C airworthiness standards and contributing to flight software projects through internships at California aerospace firms strengthens a candidate's profile considerably.
Which companies hire flight software engineers in California?
Employers hiring flight software engineers in California right now include SpaceX, Lanteris Space Systems Intuitive Machines Company, and inversion, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's deep concentration of aerospace primes, commercial space companies, and defense contractors makes it one of the most active states for this specialty.
Which California cities have the most flight software engineer jobs?
The cities with the most flight software engineer openings in California are Los Angeles, Hawthorne, and Palo Alto. The Los Angeles basin dominates because of the dense cluster of aerospace primes and defense contractors headquartered or operating there, while San Diego's naval and defense presence and the Bay Area's commercial aviation and drone technology sectors drive demand in those markets.
Are there remote flight software engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 50% of flight software engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of much of the work. The portions of the role most amenable to remote work are software architecture, requirements analysis, and simulation-based verification, while hardware-in-the-loop testing and integration work generally requires on-site presence at a California facility.
How can I get hired as a flight software engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a structured internship or new-graduate rotational program at a major California aerospace employer. Companies such as Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena run formal early-career programs that place candidates without direct flight software experience into embedded or systems software roles. Lateral moves from automotive embedded software, robotics, or firmware development are also common entry points. A strong capstone project, open-source embedded portfolio, or coursework in real-time operating systems gives candidates a measurable edge in California hiring cycles.
Where can I find and apply to flight software engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to flight software engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 40 Flight Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Flight Software Engineer Jobs