GNC Engineer, ADCS (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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

GNC ENGINEER ADCS (STARLINK)

SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics control theory state estimation spacecraft systems design optimization physics and software development to join the Starlink guidance navigation and control (GNC) team. Come help us write the autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites (the worlds largest constellation!) and more than two million user terminals enabling access to high-speed broadband internet in all corners of the world.

As a Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) engineer on Starlinks attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) team you will be responsible for the software automation operations and system level design which keeps the satellites and their payloads properly oriented for the entire mission lifetime.

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 for transcription by another team
• 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
• Design and implementation of GNC software that can facilitate all mission concepts of operations across all phases of mission including off-nominal/contingency scenarios
• Design of concepts of operations (CONOPs) that intelligently balance thermal constraints power budgets momentum management communications and payload-pointing needs
• Design development and flight software implementation of onboard GNC algorithms to achieve a high level of vehicle autonomy and fault tolerance while providing adequate translational and rotational navigation and control performance
• Update and maintain GNC software configurations for a variety of minor vehicle design revisions and mission sets
• High fidelity time domain 6DOF modeling and simulation of vehicle dynamics sensors actuators algorithms and all of their interactions
• Monte Carlo simulation analysis to validate safe and reliable flight and quantify navigation and control performance
• Heavy involvement in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing efforts including but not limited to test case design data review automation and modeling fidelity improvements
• Translational and Rotational state estimation and control systems design and optimization
• Vehicle design activities related to ADCS sensor and actuator hardware sizing and layout
• Develop validate and improve upon complex sensor actuator and dynamics models for use in 6DOF simulation analysis
• Maintain tight interfaces with other disciplines and subsystems (e.g. thermal power communications) to ensure a good and consistent system-level design
• Support your relevant on-call operations rotation commanding satellites or reviewing network data to keep our network continuously operating at peak performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in computer science aerospace physics or an engineering discipline
• Software development experience in either C or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within Starlink GNC.
• Masters degree or PHD in an engineering discipline or physics
• Developed debugged and deployed software that has been 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 in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation and validation of the simulations models
• Experience with state estimation particularly attitude determination orbit determination GNSS and radio navigation
• General 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 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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

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 SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.