Freelance Simulation Software Engineer Jobs in California

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 ofenabling 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 multi-physics 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 software engineering skills and experience applying Machine Learning (ML) and AI to simulation solutions are key to success. 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 multi‑physics 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 in C++, Python, or other object oriented languages.

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.
• Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies.
• Good understanding of version control, testing, continuous integration, build, deployment, and monitoring.
• 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%).

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SIMULATION

As a software engineer on the NDE & Materials Software team, you will develop, improve, and advance our in‑house multi-physics 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 software engineering skills and experience applying Machine Learning (ML) and AI to simulation solutions are key to success. 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 multi‑physics 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 in C++, Python, or other object oriented languages.

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 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00 Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00

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.

• 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.