GNC Engineer, Fleet Management (Starshield)

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, FLEET MANAGEMENT (STARSHIELD)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.As an engineer on the GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), Fleet Management team, you will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of Starshield's constellation. The Fleet Management team designs the constellation through analysis and simulation, and then brings it into reality through satellite and ground software development. This is an opportunity to apply expertise in orbital mechanics to both define constellation geometry and implement the control systems necessary to maintain it (including orbit raise, station keeping, and collision avoidance algorithms). This all requires working collaboratively across engineering teams to represent the satellite system at the constellation level, ultimately defining scope and requirements for future vehicles.RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, flight software, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or PythonParticipate in architecture, design, and code reviewsConstellation design and network-level analysis of both existing and proposed systemsBulk analysis to review performance data from various elements of the Starshield constellation and hosted payloadsWrite high-quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysisSupport your relevant on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites or reviewing data to keep our vehicles, payloads, and networks continuously operating at peak performanceBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics, or an engineering disciplineSoftware development experience in either C++ or PythonPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Master's degree or Ph.D. in an engineering discipline, computer science, or physicsExperience developing, debugging, and deploying software that has been used in real-world applications/projectsCreative approach to problem-solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentalsFamiliarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and HallExperience with automating complex systemsStrong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and station-keepingExperience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's modelsExperience with space-based sensor platforms and state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigationGeneral familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft flight including; structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration. Practical experience in real-world development of these systems is highly desired.Capable 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 verbalActive Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain oneADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical path development and/or critical on-orbit operationsAn active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.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: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.