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Software Engineer - Simulation & Flight Systems

SpaceX· Special Programs
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Hawthorne, CA$125k - $195kfull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Software Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and owning high‑impact software powering simulation, flight systems, and validation of next‑generation SpaceX technologies across ground and space systems. Focus on real‑time data streaming, high‑throughput distributed systems, and development of simulation and flight software for multiple vehicles, with opportunity to work across design–build–test–operations pipeline and collaborate with customers to improve system capabilities and performance.

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 1+ years of experience in software 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
  • 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

Skills

Required:Software designData streamingProgramming languages
Nice to have:Serialization formatsContainerizationDatabasesTesting and debugging

Benefits

  • comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year
  • paid sick leave as per policy
  • potential discretionary bonuses and stock/long-term incentives
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • discounts and other perks
  • clearance differential (for active clearance holders)
Last updated Aug 26, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SpaceX

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