GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (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, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK)At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system serving millions of users all over the Earth. 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 Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer on Starlink’s orbit control team, you will develop the algorithms that plan thousands of orbital maneuvers every day to ensure 10k+ satellites are exactly where they need to be in order to serve our customers and satisfy a wide range of mission constraints.Come help us fly the world's largest constellation and make high speed internet available everywhere, all the time.RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop closed-loop trajectory control algorithms using a mix of discrete and continuous manipulation of thrust and drag for all mission phases, including orbit raise out of the insertion orbit, station-keeping at the operational altitude, and eventual deorbit for demise in the atmosphereIdentify and implement features to improve control performance, enhance prediction quality, increase solar storm resilience, and reduce network impactConduct simulation studies and on-orbit experiments to assess configuration and algorithm changesContribute to the development of new satellite generations by executing trade studies that inform hardware development and concept of operationsSupport large-scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and feature developmentWrite high quality code in C++ and Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code that runs on the satellites and in the ground segmentParticipate in architecture, design, and code reviewsDevelop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor the fleetWrite clear and concise technical documentation of programs, algorithms, and analysesParticipate in the operation of the satellite fleetBASIC QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in applicable engineering discipline, physics, math, or computer scienceStrong fundamental understanding of dynamical systemsSoftware development experience in C++ and PythonPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCEMaster's degree or PhD in a field relevant to this positionExpertise in orbital mechanics, relative orbital dynamics, maneuver planning, and collision avoidanceFamiliarity with state-space methods and classical control theoryPrior exposure to trajectory optimization, model predictive control, convex optimization, and mixed-integer programmingKnowledge of numerical propagation methods and their application to high-fidelity orbit propagation and uncertainty modellingFamiliarity with high-order gravity models and atmosphere modelsReal world experience developing, debugging, and deploying softwareCreative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skillsExperience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's modelsCapable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or directionPassion for advancing the commercial space industryAbility to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphereExcellent communication skills both written and verbalCOMPENSATION 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 yearYour 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.