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Software Engineer, C++ (Raptor)

Join SpaceX as a C++ Software Engineer to develop high-performance software for advanced manufacturing systems impacting production speed and quality.

Location
Hawthorne, CA
Compensation
$120k–$170k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Posted by employer 3 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 3 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Skills & Technologies

Requirements

Experience
2–4 years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

401k Match Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Equity/Stock Options Paid Holidays Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

In this role, the Software Engineer will focus on developing high-performance C++ software for advanced manufacturing systems that produce Raptor engines. Key skills include expertise in C++ coding, real-time systems, and familiarity with CI/CD tools within Linux environments. This position is ideal for engineers with a strong background in software development, particularly those experienced in manufacturing or controls software. The team operates in a fast-paced environment, pushing the boundaries of technology to support SpaceX's ambitious goals.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 3 months ago — first seen on Joblaze June 18, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 9, 2026.
  • Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
  • Starts above 31% of 139 comparable mid other roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $125,000 across 21 companies). See C++ salary trends
  • C++ appears in 7.2% of 3067 comparable mid other roles in United States; CI/CD appears in 0.1% of 3067 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $120,000–$170,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
2–4 years of relevant experience for this Software Engineer, C++ (Raptor) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Boost, C++, CI/CD, CUDA, Cmake, Linux.
Does SpaceX sponsor work visas for this role?
Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Software Engineer, C++ (Raptor) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (RAPTOR)

We are looking for exceptional C++ software engineers who thrive on building high-performance, reliable systems that directly impact production speed and quality. Our team develops the core real-time software that powers advanced metal additive manufacturing machines for Raptor engines. In this role, you will own critical software across controls, data acquisition, build logic, and in-situ monitoring — turning complex engineering designs into flight-ready hardware at scale. You will architect production-grade C++ systems that push the limits of speed, precision, and reliability in one of the world’s most demanding manufacturing environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Architect and develop high-performance C++ software for production-scale manufacturing systems
  • Design and implement real-time control software, data acquisition pipelines, and monitoring algorithms
  • Collaborate closely with controls, automation, and hardware engineers to integrate software with motion systems, sensors, and laser hardware
  • Continuously improve system reliability, speed, and quality through elegant software solutions
  • Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and architecture discussions to maintain exceptional code quality and best practices
  • Provide first-principles solutions to production engineering challenges, rapidly iterating from concept to deployed software

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or related STEM discipline and 2+ years of professional software development experience; OR 4+ years of professional C++ development experience in lieu of a degree
  • Strong experience writing production-grade, high-performance C++ code
  • Experience with modern CI/CD tools and Linux environments

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with real-time or embedded systems development
  • Familiarity with libraries such as QT, Boost, VTK, CUDA, or build tools like CMake
  • Experience with microcontrollers, FPGAs, or hardware-software integration
  • Background in manufacturing systems, controls software, or additive manufacturing processes (laser powder bed fusion or similar)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

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