GNC Engineer (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 (STARLINK)

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. Come help us write the autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites (the world's largest constellation!) and more than two million user terminals, enabling access to high-speed broadband internet in all corners of the world.

There are several sub-teams within Starlink GNC with different focus 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 all supporting software infrastructure

• Constellation-level and network-level analysis of both 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 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

• 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

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 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 i