GNC Engineer, Satellite Power Systems (Starlink)

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.

GNC ENGINEER, SATELLITE POWER SYSTEMS

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 10M+ 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. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe. As a Satellite Power Systems on the Starlink Guidance, Navigation, and Control team (GNC), a new set of physics and the associated trade space of modeling decisions that affect simulation architecture and performance. This is not just an analysis role – you will be responsible for vehicle design trades, simulation, flight code implementation, and ultimately deploying and operating your features in space. Come help us fly the world's largest constellation and make high speed internet available everywhere, all the time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop, deploy, monitor, and maintain control systems for the flow of electrical power flow on our Starlink satellites. Improve insight into the health and performance of Starlink electrical power systems by developing ground-based or on-vehicle estimation schemes and summarizing fleet-wide information relayed to the ground. Dig deep into data from satellites tom identify anomalous system or algorithm behavior. Invent schemes to shield the vehicle from dangerous operation and shield algorithms from corruption. Interface with a diverse team – software, reliability, and satellite operations.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, computer science or other STEM discipline. Professional experience with one of the following coding languages; C/C++, Python, Java.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline. Very strong expertise and demonstrated project or professional experience in linear closed loop controls analysis and design, including state space and frequency domain methods. Experience with flexible body dynamics and reduced finite element models thereof in the context of closed loop control systems analysis. Expertise in state estimation, kalman filters, or recursive least squares Experience in control systems and estimation. Strong expertise in embedded C++, Python, MATLAB, Simulink, and other software development languages/tools. Direct experience with spacecraft operations and flight software development, testing, and deployment. Capable of identifying and solving complex problems in a self-directed manner. Passion for advancing the commercial space industry. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year GNC 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 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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.