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Physics Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer, Discovery

Seattle, WA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics * 3+ years working with a variety of programming ...

Software Engineer, Discovery

Seattle, WA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics * 3+ years working with a variety of programming ...

Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, math, physics, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree * 1+ years of ...

Software Engineer, C++

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

A robust foundation in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics, enabling a strong understanding of low-level systems and algorithmic complexity. * Mastery of C++: Minimum of 3 ...

Software Engineer, C++

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

A robust foundation in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics, enabling a strong understanding of low-level systems and algorithmic complexity. * Mastery of C++: Minimum of 3 ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Strong background in math and physics ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: * This position requires ...

Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real ... Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000 ...

Showing results 21-40

Physics Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$72.3K

$167.9K

$233.9K

How much do physics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics software engineer in Seattle, WA is $167,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,600.00 and $196,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Physics Software Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectPhysics Software EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Computer Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, aerospace, or defense industriesTech firms, finance, healthcare, or consulting companies
Industry UsagePhysics research, simulation, modeling, and software developmentData analysis, machine learning, predictive modeling, and data visualization

Physics Software Engineers focus on developing software for physics applications, simulations, and research, often working in research or engineering environments. Data Scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and build predictive models. While both roles require strong programming skills, Physics Software Engineers emphasize physics principles, whereas Data Scientists focus on data analysis and statistical methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics software engineer?

To thrive as a Physics Software Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computer science, typically supported by a degree in physics, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or MATLAB, and experience with simulation software or scientific computing libraries are essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and interpreting complex data. These skills are vital for developing accurate, efficient software solutions that model physical systems and drive innovation in scientific and engineering projects.

What is a physics software engineer?

A Physics Software Engineer is a professional who develops, maintains, and optimizes software that simulates or models physical systems and phenomena. They often work at the intersection of physics, computer science, and engineering, creating tools for scientific research, simulations, or real-time physics engines used in industries like gaming, aerospace, or research institutions. These engineers typically have a strong background in both physics and programming, enabling them to translate complex physical formulas and concepts into efficient and accurate code. Their work is crucial for advancing technology in areas such as computational physics, virtual reality, and engineering design.

How does a physics software engineer typically collaborate with scientists and other engineering teams during a project?

Physics Software Engineers often work closely with physicists, data scientists, and hardware engineers to translate complex physical models into reliable software solutions. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to clarify requirements, iterative development cycles to test and validate simulation accuracy, and ongoing feedback to refine algorithms. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as engineers must bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation while ensuring that software integrates smoothly with other systems. This collaborative environment fosters continuous learning and problem-solving, making the role both challenging and rewarding.
What job categories do people searching Physics Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Physics Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Physics Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Physics Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,886 per year, or $80.7 per hour.

Software Engineer, Flight Software (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, FLIGHT SOFTWARE (STARLINK)

As an engineer on the Starlink flight software team, you will design, develop and test software that is used to control SpaceX flight and ground systems. You will be responsible for both components that fly on robotic vehicles in space, and the ground systems that orchestrate the world's largest satellite constellation. You will engage with other SpaceX software and hardware engineersto discover the needs of the mission and code highly reliable software that turns the mission into a reality. You will be responsible for the complete life cycle of the software you create, from development to testing to operation during a continuous mission. 

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather, we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving problems and want to make an impact on an ambitious and inspiring mission. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Develop highly reliable autonomous software systems, and the full suite of testing needed to ensure their resilience, fault tolerance, and correctness 
  • Design software for both vehicles flying in space, and the ground systems that support them 
  • Build prototypes and analyze system metrics to prove out key design concepts and quantify technical constraints 
  • Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, release, and flight operations 
  • Provide strong technical leadership, focus on continuous improvement 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM disciplineOR2+years of experience insoftware development 
  • Development experience in C/C++, Python, or other similar programming languages 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Interested candidates who meet the basic qualifications should consider applying. The following preferred skills and experience are helpful for this role, but candidates with only some of them are able to be successful on our team. Learning on the job is critical success at SpaceX, and a core part of the excitement of working on a flight software team. 

  • Strong software design and development skills 
  • Experience designing fault tolerant, distributed, or real-time systems 
  • Cross-context test design skills, ranging from simple unit tests through to integrated hardware-in-the-loop regression and exploratory tests 
  • Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks 
  • Knowledge of physics, math, and electronics 
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and performance testing 
  • Familiarity with Linux programming 
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements 
  • Ability to work independently or in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively in a solution-oriented manner 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay range:    
Software Engineer, Flight Software/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year    
Software Engineer, Flight Software/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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.   


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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