Sr. Simulation Software Engineer (Vehicle Engineering)
Hawthorne · USD 165,000-265,000 · 2+ years experience · Posted Sep 22, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 2+ years experience
- Location
- Hawthorne
- Salary
- USD 165,000-265,000 · Base salary
About the role
- As a Software Engineer on the Simulations team, you will design, develop, and test our in-house simulation software supporting all SpaceX flight systems.
- You will program the core simulation infrastructure and collaborate on the building of models of fluids, electronics, and multi-body physics systems.
- This is a high impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build high fidelity simulations used to develop cutting-edge software and hardware.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the high-fidelity real-time simulation software used for all vehicles
- Develop prototypes to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
- Maintain the highest standards of excellence, never settle for the status quo
- Improve reliability and performance of simulation software
- Work with simulation software users to develop new features and improve user experiences
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of experience in software development; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
- 2+ years development experience in C++
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed
Preferred qualifications
- Strong software design and development skills in C++
- Understanding of distributed computing systems, networking protocols, memory management, and CPU scheduling
- Thorough knowledge of classical physics and math (algebra, calculus, Euclidean geometry)
- Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing
- Creative approach to problem solving
- Experience with open source C++ simulators such as ROS2 and Gazebo
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
- Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
Benefits
- Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
- Potential discretionary bonuses
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- 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
- 10 or more paid holidays per year
Skills
- C++
- ROS2
- Gazebo
