1

High Performance Computing Software Developer Jobs

Showing results 21-40

High Performance Computing Software Developer information

See salary details

$48K

$111.8K

$166K

How much do high performance computing software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for high performance computing software developer in the United States is $111,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a high performance computing software developer?

A High Performance Computing (HPC) Software Developer is a professional who designs, develops, optimizes, and maintains software applications that run on supercomputers or computing clusters. Their primary goal is to maximize computational efficiency and speed by leveraging parallel processing, distributed systems, and specialized hardware. HPC Software Developers often work closely with scientists, engineers, and researchers to solve complex computational problems in fields like physics, climate research, bioinformatics, and engineering simulation. They typically use programming languages such as C, C++, Fortran, and Python, and are skilled in technologies like MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA. Their work ensures that large-scale simulations and data analyses can be performed faster and more efficiently.

What are some common challenges high performance computing software developers face when optimizing code for large-scale systems?

HPC Software Developers often encounter challenges related to parallelization, memory management, and scalability when optimizing code for clusters or supercomputers. Balancing efficient use of compute resources with minimizing communication overhead between nodes is crucial. Additionally, developers must frequently update their skills to keep up with evolving hardware architectures and software libraries. Collaborating with domain scientists and IT staff is also common to ensure solutions meet both performance and scientific goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a high performance computing software developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an HPC Software Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Fortran, a solid understanding of parallel computing concepts, and typically a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, and performance profiling or debugging tools is essential, along with experience using Linux-based systems and HPC clusters. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These competencies are vital for developing optimized, scalable software that maximizes the efficiency and capability of advanced computing resources.

What is the difference between High Performance Computing Software Developer vs Computational Scientist?

AspectHigh Performance Computing Software DeveloperComputational Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fieldMaster's or Ph.D. in Science, Engineering, or related field with programming skills
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, research labs, tech companiesResearch institutions, laboratories, academia
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, government agencies, research centersUniversities, government research labs, scientific organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding software development roles in HPCUnderstanding scientific computing roles

The main difference is that High Performance Computing Software Developers focus on designing and optimizing software for HPC systems, while Computational Scientists use these systems to perform scientific research and simulations. Both roles require programming skills, but their primary goals differ: one develops software, the other applies it to scientific problems.

What cities are hiring for High Performance Computing Software Developer jobs?

Cities with the most High Performance Computing Software Developer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to High Performance Computing Software Developer jobs?

For High Performance Computing Software Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various High Performance Computing Software Developer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,845 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink)

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$155K - $185K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 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, HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. All Starlink satellites have laser terminals to connect with other Starlink satellites, creating a large laser mesh network in orbit. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for the world's best engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
As a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges that improve our ability to fully utilize the hardware we have deployed. Our goal is to provide customers with the best possible satellite internet experience, often providing under-served communities with affordable, life-changing broadband internet access.
Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop highly reliable, real-time software that determines which beams (user, laser, gateway, etc) should be formed in order to provide the best possible user experience for our low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network.
  • Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
  • Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable).
  • Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing.
  • Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
  • Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
  • Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Level I: $135,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year
Level II: $155,000.00 - $185,000.00/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:
    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

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US