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$39.5K

$98.2K

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How much do high performance computing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for high performance computing in California is $98,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $124,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the career opportunities in high performance computing?

Career opportunities in high performance computing (HPC) include roles such as HPC system administrators, computational scientists, software developers, and data analysts. These positions often require skills in parallel programming, Linux systems, and knowledge of HPC tools like MPI and CUDA, with certifications and experience in managing large-scale computing environments being advantageous.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in High Performance Computing?

Professionals in High Performance Computing (HPC) are often responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining powerful computing clusters tailored for processing large data sets or running complex simulations. Daily tasks may include optimizing code and workflows for parallel environments, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and supporting researchers or engineers in using HPC resources efficiently. Collaboration is common, as HPC specialists work closely with IT staff, domain scientists, and software developers to ensure systems meet project and organizational goals. This role provides a challenging and dynamic work environment, offering opportunities to continually learn about emerging technologies and methodologies in computational science.

What engineers make $500,000?

High Performance Computing engineers, especially those with advanced skills in parallel programming, system architecture, and experience with supercomputers or cloud HPC environments, can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, often in senior or specialized roles. Such compensation typically includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and is common in industries like aerospace, defense, and large tech companies.

What is the highest paid job in computing?

In high performance computing, roles such as HPC Director, Chief Technology Officer, or senior research scientists often have the highest salaries, especially with advanced skills in parallel programming, system architecture, and large-scale data management. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership abilities, and often advanced degrees or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the High Performance Computing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in High Performance Computing, you need expertise in parallel computing, computer architecture, and programming languages such as C/C++ or Fortran, often backed by a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with HPC cluster management, job scheduling systems (e.g., SLURM), and experience with accelerators like GPUs or cloud platforms is crucial; certifications in Linux administration or HPC technologies are advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities help professionals excel in complex, collaborative environments. These qualifications enable the efficient design, deployment, and maintenance of advanced computing infrastructure to support scientific and engineering applications.

What is a High Performance Computing job?

A High Performance Computing (HPC) job involves designing, managing, and optimizing advanced computing systems used for complex calculations, simulations, and data processing. Professionals in this field work with supercomputers, parallel computing frameworks, and high-speed networks to enhance computational efficiency. HPC specialists are commonly employed in scientific research, engineering, finance, and artificial intelligence to solve large-scale problems. Responsibilities often include developing algorithms, maintaining HPC clusters, and improving system performance.

What is high performance in computing?

High performance in computing refers to systems or applications that deliver rapid processing speeds and handle large-scale computations efficiently. High Performance Computing (HPC) jobs often utilize parallel processing, specialized hardware like supercomputers or clusters, and optimized software to solve complex problems in fields such as scientific research, engineering, and data analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of High Performance Computing jobs in California? The most popular types of High Performance Computing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to High Performance Computing jobs in California? For High Performance Computing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching High Performance Computing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for High Performance Computing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for High Performance Computing jobs? Cities in California with the most High Performance Computing job openings:
High Performance Computing jobs near you
Infographic showing various High Performance Computing job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,224 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
Software Engineer, High Performance Computing

Software Engineer, High Performance Computing

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

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, HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.
The Starshield software team is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next-gen communication and sensing software, and more. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers with hands-on experience developing C++ software for real-world systems.
Our team is involved in designing the vehicle systems at every phase of development. We build tools that enable us to work more efficiently and that help us build software systems that are secure, reliable, and autonomous. Our software engineers are responsible for the life cycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and operational support.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Create highly reliable software systems that control hundreds of satellites in low earth orbit
  • Leverage software design to improve satellite constellation performance, security, and availability to meet the needs of a wide range of users
  • See your software through from start to finish: from figuring out the core needs to prototyping, developing, and testing; to on-orbit rollout and beyond
  • Work with interdisciplinary teams to brainstorm, design, and build the next generation of satellite capabilities, from cutting-edge sensors and inter-satellite lasers to space-based cloud compute

There are several roles within the Starshield software team with different focus areas. Applicants will interview for specific focus areas based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific role responsibilities may include:
  • Write high quality Linux-based C++ software for common processors and micro controllers (e.g. ARM, PowerPC, x86, etc.)
  • Implement networking technologies to direct data across a variety of satellites, ground operations centers, and users
  • Build automated ground-based software systems that integrate smart data processing with command and control of the satellites
  • Develop models and simulations for flight-like vehicle software testing, network performance analysis, or research & development projects
  • Develop tools that allow for test execution across multiple environments: virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop, and even vehicle-in-the-loop testing
  • Invent new systems that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or engineering discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
  • Development experience in C, C++, or Python or full stack software development experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience in C++ for high performance systems
  • Developed and deployed software that has been used real-world applications and projects
  • Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and networks
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization and unit testing
  • Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance

Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within flight software and may include:
  • Experience with networking protocols (TCP, UDP, etc)
  • Experience developing in the Linux kernel
  • Experience with image data processing and machine learning
  • Strong background in math and physics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/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, 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

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