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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starlink)

Redmond, WAFull Time$125,000–$165,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

GNC algorithms
attitude determination
control systems
state estimation
orbital mechanics
C++
Python
6DOF modeling
simulation
hardware-in-the-loop

Nice to have

real world applications
three axis stabilized spacecraft
low thrust trajectory optimization
stationkeeping
GNSS
radio navigation

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking GNC Engineers with expertise in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, and software development to join the Starlink team. This role involves developing autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites and user terminals, focusing on software automation, operations, and system-level design for attitude determination and control systems (ADCS). Responsibilities include writing production code in C++ or Python, designing GNC software for various mission concepts, implementing onboard algorithms for autonomy and fault tolerance, and conducting high-fidelity simulations and hardware-in-the-loop testing. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and software development experience.

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, 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 world's 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 Starlink’s 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:

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 in 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

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: Pay Range: Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00
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 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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