This role pays more than
73%
of similar roles. Most pay
$158,037–$219,218
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$215k
versus about
$189k
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
729 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 479 roles with salary data.
Sr. Software Engineer, Simulations (Vehicle Engineering) joins the Simulations team to design, develop, and test in-house simulation software supporting all flight systems. This role involves programming core simulation infrastructure and collaborating with engineering groups to build high-fidelity models of fluids, electronics, and multi-body physics systems. The engineer will develop prototypes to prove design concepts, improve software reliability and performance, and create new features based on user feedback. Key technical requirements include proficiency in C++, knowledge of distributed computing systems, networking protocols, memory management, and CPU scheduling. Candidates should possess a strong grasp of classical physics and mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and Euclidean geometry. Experience with open-source C++ simulators like ROS2 and Gazebo is preferred. The work focuses on creating critical simulation software used to develop hardware and software for Falcon, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, Starlink, and Starship missions.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214000 from 777 postings across 68 companies.
Develop and maintain high-fidelity real-time simulation software for all SpaceX flight systems.
Program core simulation infrastructure including models of fluids, electronics, and multi-body physics.
Build prototypes to prove 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.
Perform debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing for C++ based 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 in lieu of a degree.
At least 2 years of development experience in C++.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee (or eligible for such status) to meet ITAR requirements.
Strong software design and development skills in C++ (preferred).
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).
Skills in debugging, performance optimization, unit testing, and creative problem solving (preferred).
Experience with open source C++ simulators such as ROS2 and Gazebo (preferred).