Full Stack Software Engineer - Simulation & Flight Systems

About SpaceX

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.

Full Stack Software Engineer – Simulation & Flight Systems

As a Full Stack Software Engineer within the Special Programs team at SpaceX, you’ll design, develop, and own critical software that powers the exploration and validation of next-generation technologies across every SpaceX flight system. You’ll take full ownership of features in a suite of high-performance, scalable web applications that span the entire design–build–test–operations pipeline. Your work will directly expand our capabilities in both ground and space systems and help prove out the innovations that make multiplanetary life possible.

This is a high-impact role where you’ll collaborate across engineering teams to build a high-throughput distributed system that develops and demonstrates cutting-edge software and hardware. The systems you create will be used by engineers pushing the limits of what’s possible—your code will help fly rockets, test vehicles, and shape the future of spaceflight.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here. We’re looking for exceptionally smart, motivated software engineers who thrive on complex challenges, move fast in dynamic environments, and care deeply about software craftsmanship. Our software is mission-critical, and we have no shortage of hard, interesting problems that demand creative, high-quality solutions. This is an opportunity to help build software that will take humanity to Mars.

Responsibilities

• Build full-stack solutions that manage analysis, prototypes, and vehicles by integrating simulation software, emulators, and flight software.
• Rapidly develop prototypes that prove key design concepts and quantify technical constraints.
• Create and maintain high-fidelity simulation and emulation software for all vehicles—always raising the bar for excellence.
• Continuously improve the reliability, performance, and scalability of our simulation platforms.
• Partner closely with users to design and deliver new features that dramatically improve their experience and productivity.

Basic 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.
• 1+ years of professional experience building full-stack, single page web applications using JavaScript libraries (React, Lit, etc.).
• Professional experience developing applications using Python, C, C++, or Rust.
• Experience with relational databases (SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Oracle).

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience programming in object-oriented languages (C++, Java, Python, or C#).
• Strong software design and development skills.
• Experience building highly available, concurrent systems.
• Experience with containerized solutions (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Professional experience with Linux/Unix systems and tools.
• Experience with high-performance computing systems.
• Experience contributing to a large-scale software project (>100,000 lines of code) as part of a software team.
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and test automation.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with evolving requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and communicate effectively.
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability and willingness to obtain one.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer.