This role pays more than
75%
of similar roles. Most pay
$135,000–$192,500
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$192k
versus about
$164k
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
604 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$155,000
across 440 roles with salary data.
As a Senior Software Engineer on SpaceX's Simulations team, you will play a crucial role in designing and developing high-fidelity real-time simulation software for all flight systems including Falcon, Dragon, Starlink, and Starship. Your daily tasks will involve programming core simulation infrastructure, collaborating with cross-functional teams to build models of fluids, electronics, and multi-body physics systems, and working closely with users to enhance features and improve user experiences. The ideal candidate should have strong skills in C++, knowledge of distributed computing systems, networking protocols, memory management, and classical physics principles. Experience with open-source simulators like ROS2 and Gazebo is a plus, as you will be contributing to software that is essential for mission success at SpaceX.
Develop and maintain high-fidelity real-time simulation software for SpaceX vehicles.
Program core simulation infrastructure to support fluid, electronic, and multi-body physics models.
Collaborate on building advanced mathematical and physical models within the simulation framework.
Enhance user experiences by developing new features based on feedback from users.
Ensure continuous improvement of simulation software through rigorous testing and maintenance.
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 software development experience
Strong C++ programming skills with at least 2 years of development experience
Understanding of distributed computing systems, networking protocols, memory management, and CPU scheduling
Proficient in classical physics and mathematics (algebra, calculus, Euclidean geometry)
Experience working with open source C++ simulators such as ROS2 and Gazebo
Ability to design and develop high-fidelity real-time simulation software for aerospace vehicles
C++
Python
CFD tools
meshing software
CAD platforms
machine learning
AI
web-based 3D tooling
Flask
SQLAlchemy
FastAPI
React
version control
testing
continuous integration
Linux
HPC environments
parallel processing
Three.js
ParaView