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SpaceX

Sr. Simulation Software Engineer (Vehicle Engineering)

SpaceX is hiring a Sr. Simulation Software Engineer (Vehicle Engineering). It pays $165k-$265k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on SpaceX.

Level's read on this job

  • Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this software engineer role: aI is not part of the work.
  • The listed pay starts close to the typical software engineer posting on Level.
  • Tools and skills the posting cites include C, Ros2 and Gazebo.
  • Level classifies it as a senior role.
  • Level lists 2,800+ other open roles at SpaceX.

AI in this role

Design, develop, and test in-house simulation software supporting SpaceX flight systems using C++.

CRos2Gazebo
software-developmentsimulationdistributed-systemsdebuggingoptimization

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.

SR. SIMULATION SOFTWARE ENGINEER (VEHICLE ENGINEERING)

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 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++

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:
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $265,000.00

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 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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

How we rate this

Sr. Simulation Software Engineer (Vehicle Engineering) at SpaceX rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

  1. ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
  2. ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
  3. ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
  4. ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Software DevelopmentSimulationDistributed SystemsDebuggingOptimizationCRos2Gazebo

Also common in software engineer jobs at this level

Pay

This job starts at
$165k
Typical software engineer job
$167k

This posting starts close to the typical software engineer job. See software engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

  1. Tell me about a project where software development was part of your work. What did you do?
  2. Tell me about a project where simulation was part of your work. What did you do?
  3. Tell me about a project where distributed systems was part of your work. What did you do?
  4. Tell me about a project where debugging was part of your work. What did you do?
  5. Tell me about a project where optimization was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

  • List these exact terms on your resume: Software Development, Simulation, Distributed Systems, Debugging, and Optimization. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
  • Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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