SpaceX

Software Engineer, C++ (Raptor)

SpaceX$120K — $170K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

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

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

Benefits

  • Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Short and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year
  • Paid sick leave
  • Potential long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
  • Opportunity to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Full Job Description
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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

About SpaceX

SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
Learn more about SpaceX
Size
8,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2002

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