Simulation Software Engineer (Application Software)

Latent AI; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

3 weeks paid vacation

Discretionary bonuses

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace company located in Hawthorne, CA, seeks a Simulation Software Engineer to design and develop critical in-house simulation software. This role involves programming core simulation infrastructure and collaborating across engineering teams. Candidates should have experience in C++ and a strong problem-solving attitude. Competitive salary ranges from $125K to $175K annually, alongside comprehensive benefits including stock options and health coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• 1+ years development experience in C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-fidelity real-time simulation software.
• Develop prototypes for key design concepts.
• Improve reliability and performance of simulation software.
• Work with users to develop new features.

Skills

C++

Debugging

Performance optimization

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline

Tools

Open source C++ simulators (ROS2, Gazebo)

Job description

Simulation Software Engineer (Application Software)

Hawthorne, CA

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

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. Our simulation software is critical to current and future mission successes including Falcon, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, Starlink, and Starship. SpaceX is looking for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments and care about software best practices.

Help us build world class software that is critical to SpaceX mission to Mars.

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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• 1+ years development experience in C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

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, stock options, 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 & long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & 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.

• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 SpaceX’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].