This role pays more than
74%
of similar roles. Most pay
$155,000–$217,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$215k
versus about
$186k
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
733 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 479 roles with salary data.
As a Sr. Simulation Software Engineer (Vehicle Engineering) on the Simulations team, you will design, develop, and test in-house simulation software supporting all flight systems. You will program core simulation infrastructure while collaborating with various engineering groups to build high-fidelity models of fluids, electronics, and multi-body physics systems. Your daily work involves developing real-time simulation software, creating prototypes to prove design concepts, and improving the performance and reliability of existing tools. The role requires proficiency in C++, along with knowledge of distributed computing systems, networking protocols, memory management, and CPU scheduling. You will apply a strong understanding of classical physics and mathematics to solve complex problems. Experience with open-source C++ simulators like ROS2 and Gazebo is preferred. This work provides critical simulation data used to develop the software and hardware for Falcon, Dragon, Starlink, and Starship missions.
Develop and maintain high-fidelity real-time simulation software for all SpaceX flight systems.
Program core simulation infrastructure including models for fluids, electronics, and multi-body physics.
Create prototypes to validate key design concepts and quantify technical constraints.
Improve the reliability and performance of existing simulation software.
Collaborate with internal users to develop new features and improve user experiences.
Implement high-quality C++ code following industry best practices for mission-critical systems.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of software development experience; OR 7+ years of professional experience without a degree.
At least 2 years of development experience in C++.
Understanding of distributed computing systems, networking protocols, memory management, and CPU scheduling (preferred).
Thorough knowledge of classical physics and math including algebra, calculus, and Euclidean geometry (preferred).
Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing (preferred).
Experience with open source C++ simulators such as ROS2 and Gazebo (preferred).
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment, take initiative, and communicate effectively (preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.