Software Engineer, C++ (Raptor)

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term incentives (stock options)

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Software Engineer specializing in C++ to develop high-performance software for advanced manufacturing systems. You will work on real-time control software and collaborate with a talented team to push boundaries in manufacturing technology.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in C++ and embedded systems. Join SpaceX to be part of our mission to enable human life on Mars.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or related STEM discipline and 2+ years software development experience.
• Strong experience writing production-grade high-performance C++ code.
• Experience with modern CI/CD tools and Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop high-performance C++ software for production-scale manufacturing systems.
• Design and implement real-time control software and data acquisition pipelines.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate software with motion systems and hardware.

Skills

High-performance C++ code

Real-time systems development

CI/CD tools

Linux environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related STEM

Tools

QT

Boost

CMake

CUDA

Job description

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, C++ (RAPTOR)

We are looking for exceptional C++ software engineers who thrive on building high-performance, reliable systems that directly impact production speed and quality. Our team develops the core real-time software that powers advanced metal additive manufacturing machines for Raptor engines. In this role, you will own critical software across controls, data acquisition, build logic, and in-situ monitoring — turning complex engineering designs into flight-ready hardware at scale. You will architect production‑grade C++ systems that push the limits of speed, precision, and reliability in one of the world’s most demanding manufacturing environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Architect and develop high-performance C++ software for production-scale manufacturing systems
• Design and implement real-time control software, data acquisition pipelines, and monitoring algorithms
• Collaborate closely with controls, automation, and hardware engineers to integrate software with motion systems, sensors, and laser hardware
• Continuously improve system reliability, speed, and quality through elegant software solutions
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and architecture discussions to maintain exceptional code quality and best practices
• Provide first-principles solutions to production engineering challenges, rapidly iterating from concept to deployed software

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or related STEM discipline and 2+ years of professional software development experience; OR 4+ years of professional C++ development experience in lieu of a degree
• Strong experience writing production-grade, high-performance C++ code
• Experience with modern CI/CD tools and Linux environments

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with real-time or embedded systems development
• Familiarity with libraries such as QT, Boost, VTK, CUDA, or build tools like CMake
• Experience with microcontrollers, FPGAs, or hardware-software integration
• Background in manufacturing systems, controls software, or additive manufacturing processes (laser powder bed fusion or similar)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:
Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00 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 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.

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