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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or related STEM discipline (or equivalent experience)
- 2+ years of professional software development experience (or 4+ years of professional C++ development in lieu of degree)
- Strong experience writing production-grade, high-performance C++ code
- Experience with modern CI/CD tools and Linux environments
- 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)
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
