This role pays less than
68%
of similar roles. Most pay
$137,500–$196,750
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$142k
versus about
$167k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
680 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 442 roles with salary data.
As a Software Engineer - Simulation & Flight Systems within the Special Programs team, you will design, develop, and own critical software powering the exploration and validation of next-generation technologies across every flight system. You will build high-performance modules for real-time data streaming, create high-fidelity simulation and flight software, and contribute to test automation and CI/CD infrastructure. The role involves developing a high-throughput distributed system to demonstrate cutting-edge hardware and software across the design, build, test, and operations pipeline. To succeed, you must possess proficiency in systems programming languages like C++, Rust, or Go, along with experience in data streaming, serialization formats such as JSON or Protobuf, and containerized solutions like Docker and Kubernetes. You will solve complex problems related to flight system reliability and performance while navigating the technical challenges of ground and space systems.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214000 from 775 postings across 63 companies.
Develop high-performance modules for real-time flight systems data streaming.
Create and maintain high-fidelity simulation and flight software for all vehicles.
Build rapid prototypes to prove design concepts and quantify technical constraints.
Contribute to test automation processes and CI/CD infrastructure.
Improve the reliability, performance, and scalability of simulation and flight platforms.
Design and deliver new features that improve system capabilities and performance.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science and 1+ years of software development experience; or 3+ years of professional experience without a degree.
Professional experience with systems programming languages such as C++, Rust, or Go.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee (or eligible for such status) per ITAR regulations.
Experience with data streaming and real-time data processing (preferred).
Experience with data serialization formats such as JSON, YAML, XML, or Protobuf (preferred).
Experience with Python, Java, or C# (preferred).
Experience with containerized solutions like Docker/Kubernetes, relational databases, or performance optimization (preferred).