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Software Engineer Simulation & Flight Systems

SpaceX


Job Location:

Hawthorne, NV - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 22 August 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 19 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER SIMULATION & FLIGHT SYSTEMS

As a Software Engineer in Special Programs youll design develop and own critical software that powers the exploration and validation of next-generation technologies across every SpaceX flight system. Youll take full ownership of new features in a scalable high-performance application that spans the entire designbuildtestoperations pipeline while also contributing to critical control and flight system software. Your work will directly expand our capabilities in both ground and space systems and help prove out the innovations that make multiplanetary life possible.

This is a high-impact role where youll collaborate across engineering teams to build a high-throughput distributed system that develops and demonstrates cutting-edge software and hardware. The systems you create will be used by engineers pushing the limits of whats possibleyour code will help fly rockets test vehicles and shape the future of spaceflight.

Aerospace experience is not required. Were looking for exceptionally smart motivated software engineers who thrive on complex challenges move fast in dynamic environments and care deeply about software craftsmanship. Our software is mission-critical and we have no shortage of hard interesting problems that demand creative high-quality solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Rapidly develop prototypes that prove key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
  • Develop high-performance modules for real-time flight systems data streaming
  • Contribute to test automation processes and CI/CD infrastructure
  • Create and maintain high-fidelity simulation and flight software for all vehicles
  • Continually raise the bar for excellence through improving the reliability performance and scalability of our simulation and flight platforms
  • Partner closely with engineers and customers to design and deliver new features that dramatically improve system capabilities and performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelors degree in computer science engineering math or science discipline and1 years of experience insoftware development; or 3 years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
  • Professional experience with systems programming languages such as C Rust or Go

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong software design and development skills
  • Experience with data streaming and real-time data processing
  • Experience with data serialization formats such as JSON YAML XML or Protobuf
  • Experience delivering robust and scalable software applications
  • Experience with Python Java or C#
  • Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Experience with relational databases (SQL PostgreSQL MySQL or Oracle)
  • Strong skills in debugging performance optimization data throughput analysis and unit testing
  • Strong creative and innovative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment by quickly adapting to changing needs and requirements
  • Active Top Secret Top Secret SCI or DOE Level Q clearance or the ability and willingness to obtain one

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
  • Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol test
  • Able to work extended hours and weekends when necessary to support proposal or critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $125000.00 - $160000.00
Level 2: $145000.00 - $195000.00

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.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential up to an additional $20000 annually once officially briefed into a classified program.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder) (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158 or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race color religion gender national origin/ethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets.

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