SpaceX Hiring GNC Engineer (Starlink) Bastrop, TX

About the Role

SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starlink guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Help write the autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites (the world's largest constellation) and more than two million user terminals, enabling high-speed broadband internet access across the globe.

Several sub-teams within Starlink GNC focus on different areas. Applicants will interview for specific teams based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific team responsibilities might include:

• Constellation design and optimization
• Fleet management and satellite orbit transfer automation, including supporting software infrastructure
• Constellation-level and network-level analysis of existing and proposed satellite systems
• Satellite collision avoidance
• Satellite attitude determination and control
• Satellite orbit control, such as low thrust trajectory optimization and station-keeping
• Precision state estimation and control of various network payloads (RF antennas, laser inter-satellite links)

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code, not just prototypes
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
• Bulk data analysis to review performance data from various elements of the Starlink constellation and network
• Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
• Support your relevant on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites or reviewing network data to keep our network continuously operating at peak performance

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics, or an engineering discipline
• Software development experience in either C++ or Python
• Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027

Preferred Skills and Experience

Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within Starlink GNC.

• Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline or physics
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software used in real world applications/projects
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals
• Cradle to grave development of three axis stabilized spacecraft incorporating momentum, magnetic, and propulsive control
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping
• Experience verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
• Experience with state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation
• Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and Hall
• General familiarity with 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 direction
• 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

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 [email protected].