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Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Simulations)

Join SpaceX as a Senior Software Engineer to develop high-fidelity simulation software critical for missions to Mars.

Location
Hawthorne, CA, United States
Compensation
$165k–$265k/yr
Level
senior
Type
full time

Posted by employer 6 hours ago

First seen on Joblaze 3 hours ago

Last verified on the company career page 3 hours ago

Skills & Technologies

C++ Flexible on stack

What you'll build

  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity real-time simulation software
  • Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts
  • Improve reliability and performance of simulation software
  • Work with simulation software users to develop new features

Must have

  • 5+ years of experience in software development
  • 2+ years development experience in C++

Nice to have

  • Experience with open source C++ simulators such as ROS2 and Gazebo
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing

Practical constraints

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

Requirements

Experience
5+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree
Visa
Sponsorship available

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement.

Benefits

401k Match Equity/Stock Options Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

In this role, the Senior Software Engineer will focus on designing, developing, and testing simulation software that supports SpaceX's flight systems. Proficiency in C++ and a solid understanding of physics and distributed computing are essential for creating high-fidelity simulations that inform software and hardware development. This position is ideal for experienced engineers who thrive in fast-paced environments and are adept at problem-solving. The team plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of missions involving Falcon, Dragon, and Starship.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed today — first seen on Joblaze September 22, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page September 22, 2026.
  • This exact title is also open at 1 other location at SpaceX: Hawthorne, CA.
  • Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,887).
  • Starts above 46% of 102 comparable senior other roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $165,000 across 23 companies). See C++ salary trends
  • C++ appears in 7.5% of 2165 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $165,000–$265,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Simulations) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++.
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 senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Sr. Software Engineer, C++ (Simulations) 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.

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (SIMULATIONS)

As a Software Engineer on the Simulations team, you will design, develop, and test our in-house simulation software supporting all SpaceX flight systems. You will program the core simulation infrastructure and collaborate on the building of models of fluids, electronics, and multi-body physics systems. This is a high impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build high fidelity simulations used to develop cutting-edge software and hardware. Our simulation software is critical to current and future mission successes including Falcon, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, Starlink, and Starship. SpaceX is looking for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments and care about software best practices.

Help us build world class software that is critical to SpaceX mission to Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and maintain the high-fidelity real-time simulation software used for all vehicles
  • Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
  • Maintain the highest standards of excellence, never settle for the status quo
  • Improve reliability and performance of simulation software
  • Work with simulation software users to develop new features and improve user experiences

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of experience in software development; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
  • 2+ years development experience in C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Strong software design and development skills in C++
  • Understanding of distributed computing systems, networking protocols, memory management, and CPU scheduling
  • Thorough knowledge of classical physics and math (algebra, calculus, Euclidean geometry)
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing
  • Creative approach to problem solving
  • Experience with open source C++ simulators such as ROS2 and Gazebo
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $265,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

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 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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