Software Engineer, C++ Simulations (Starlink)

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 C SIMULATIONS (STARLINK)

As a C Simulation Software Engineer on the Starlink GNC team you will take a leading role in architecting refactoring redesigning and building high-performance C core infrastructure for our in-house vehicle dynamics simulator and additional simulation environments. This includes dispersed Monte Carlo simulations hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) setups testing frameworks support tooling and GNC-specific data visualization. You will own the design and evolution of the simulation backbonedriving major refactors and new designs that scale performance and capability with our growing constellationwhile collaborating on high-fidelity multi-body physics models environmental perturbations and vehicle power/propulsion/control hardware representations.

This is a high-impact opportunity for expert C engineers who thrive on complex performance-critical systems (think game engine-level simulation and high-performance computing challenges applied to real spacecraft). You will work across engineering groups to deliver the high-fidelity simulations that enable cutting-edge software and hardware development. SpaceX seeks motivated C specialists who love tackling hard technical problems excel in dynamic environments and prioritize clean efficient maintainable code and software best practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design major refactors redesigns and ongoing evolution of the core C vehicle dynamics simulator and associated testing/support infrastructure for Starlink ensuring it scales in performance and capability with the constellation.
• Architect and improve high-performance C Monte Carlo simulation infrastructure including parallelization dispersion handling and reliability for large-scale runs.
• Drive development of new simulation features models and tooling in collaboration with usersfocusing on performance usability and extensibility of the C core.
• Own performance optimization profiling continuous integration unit/integration testing and reliability improvements across the simulation stack.
• Design and implement new testing frameworks support infrastructure and visualization components to accelerate GNC development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to accurately model multi-body physics environmental effects and hardware behaviors while maintaining rigorous software quality.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in a STEM discipline and 1 years of software development experience; OR 4 years of professional software development experience in performant C OR numerical simulations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Expert-level C skills focused on writing performant simple and safe code: strong command of the language fundamentals efficient memory management multi-threading/concurrency data-oriented design and careful performance-oriented implementation (favoring straightforward low-overhead solutions over complex abstractions or heavy STL use when they compromise speed or safety).
• Experience building or optimizing high-performance simulations physics engines or real-time systems (e.g. game engines multi-body dynamics robotics or aerospace simulators).
• High-performance computing (HPC) background: parallel computing multi-threading profiling/optimization tools scalable architectures or related techniques (Monte Carlo distributed sims etc.).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to proactively coordinate with partner teamsessential for success in a role that largely serves and collaborates closely with other engineering groups.
• Strong software design and architecture skills especially for large-scale maintainable C systems; experience leading refactors or redesigns of complex codebases.
• Solid foundation in physics and mathematics (dynamics numerical methods etc.).
• Proficiency in debugging performance profiling unit testing and continuous integration for C codebases.
• Secondary skills in Python and/or front-end technologies (e.g. JS) for tooling/visualization are a plus.
• Creative problem-solving ability to work independently or in teams take initiative and communicate effectively in a fast-paced evolving environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $125000.00 - $165000.00
Level 2: $145000.00 - $200000.00

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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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.