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Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Software Engineer, Simulation

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SIMULATION As a software engineer on the NDE & Materials Software team, you will develop, improve, and advance our in-house multiphysics simulation engine-currently supporting high ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer, Simulation

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SIMULATION As a software engineer on the NDE & Materials Software team, you will develop, improve, and advance our in-house multiphysics simulation engine-currently supporting high ...

DCS CORPORATION

M&S Software Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

The DCS Air & Space Technology (AST) Sector is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Software Engineer to support extensive high visibility Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) efforts. Are you ...

DCS Corp

M&S Software Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

The DCS Air & Space Technology (AST) Sector is seeking a Modeling and Simulation Software Engineer to support extensive high visibility Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) efforts. Are you ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

$52K - $108K/yr

Modeling and Simulation Software Engineer The Opportunity : As a full stack developer, you can resolve a problem with a complete end-to-end solution in a fast, agile environment. If you're looking ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

$52K - $108K/yr

Share Modeling and Simulation Software Engineer The Opportunity : As a full stack developer, you can resolve a problem with a complete end-to-end solution in a fast, agile environment. If you're ...

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Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer information

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$24K

$104.9K

$189K

How much do entry level simulation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level simulation software engineer in the United States is $104,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, petroleum, or aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or technical expert positions, and possessing certifications or advanced degrees.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

In the context of an Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer, L1, L2, L3, and L4 typically refer to different levels of developer experience and responsibility, with L1 being entry-level and L4 being senior or lead roles. These levels often indicate increasing expertise, complexity of tasks handled, and leadership responsibilities, and they may be associated with specific skills, certifications, or project scopes within a development team.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level simulation software engineers do not earn that level of salary, highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, defense, or financial modeling can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Achieving this typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or senior leadership roles.

What does an Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer do?

An Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer develops and tests software that models real-world systems, such as physical processes, engineering designs, or virtual environments. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers to write code, run simulations, analyze results, and troubleshoot issues. Their work helps organizations predict system behavior, optimize designs, and reduce the need for costly physical prototypes. This role often involves programming, understanding mathematical models, and collaborating with other engineering teams.

Is it true that AI will replace software engineers?

Entry level simulation software engineers develop and test models using programming languages and simulation tools. While AI can automate certain tasks like code generation and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace software engineers, as human expertise is needed for designing, debugging, and understanding complex systems.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level simulation software engineers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level simulation software engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex simulation models, learning industry-specific tools, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from senior engineers, participate in team meetings to gain context, and dedicate time to hands-on practice with simulation tools. Regular communication with team members and taking advantage of available documentation can also accelerate learning and integration into the workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, mathematics, and programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation frameworks, modeling tools (like MATLAB or Simulink), and version control systems (such as Git) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities enable engineers to develop accurate, efficient simulations and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, ensuring successful project outcomes.
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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Simulation Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs include:
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Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Simulation Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 34% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 51% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,863 per year, or $50.4 per hour.
Software Engineer, Simulation

Software Engineer, Simulation

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

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, SIMULATION
As a software engineer on the NDE & Materials Software team, you will develop, improve, and advance our in-house multiphysics simulation engine-currently supporting high-pressure die casting and investment casting processes-to the next level. This role will expand the engine's capabilities to additional manufacturing domains, including additive manufacturing, welding, structural stress and strain analysis, grain prediction, and more. You will help apply these simulations to increase part yield, reduce inspection burden, and optimize parts across Raptor, Starship, Starlink, and other programs at SpaceX. Strong C++ software engineering skills and experience applying machine learning (ML) and AI to simulation solutions are key. Python experience is also required. The team consists of world-class experts in solidification physics, casting, metallurgy, and simulation. Experience with casting or solidification is not required-just a desire to learn, collaborate, and enable the best future for manufacturing at SpaceX.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own software architecture and quality of simulation software used across SpaceX.
  • Develop and optimize next-generation software that integrates CFD tools, meshing software, and CAD platforms for multiphysics simulations; contribute to transitioning results viewing to web-based 3D tooling.
  • Build advanced interfaces for viewing and interpreting simulation results.
  • Troubleshoot and debug issues related to software integration, meshing quality, and simulation accuracy.
  • Leverage machine learning and AI solutions-such as surrogate modeling and physics-informed neural networks-to accelerate simulations, enhance efficiency, drive novel improvements, increase part yield, reduce inspection burden, and optimize parts.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new features and automate processes.
  • Conduct testing and validation of simulation results using industry-standard benchmarks.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 5+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree.
  • 2+ years of software development experience.
  • 2+ years of strong C++ software engineering experience.
  • 1+ years of experience leveraging Python for data analysis.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
  • Experience working with numerical solvers for complex physics domains (e.g., tools like OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics).
  • Strong meshing skills for complex simulations (e.g., tools like NX, ANSYS Meshing, SnappyHexMesh).
  • Demonstrated experience applying machine learning and AI solutions (e.g., surrogate modeling, physics-informed neural networks, Fourier neural operators, neural operators, graph neural networks etc) to accelerate simulations.
  • Experience with visualization tools (ParaView, VisIt, Tecplot) and web-based 3D tooling (e.g., Three.js).
  • Experience with web development frameworks such as Flask, SQLAlchemy, and FastAPI.
  • Front-end experience in React or similar JavaScript UI frameworks.
  • Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies.
  • Good understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring.
  • Strong Linux experience.
  • Knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC) environments and parallel processing.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail for optimizing simulation efficiency.
  • Excellent communication skills for documenting code and collaborating in team settings.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.
  • Ability to travel to other SpaceX sites as needed (up to 20%).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 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:
    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

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