GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices (Starshield)
Required skills
- GNC
- Phased Array Devices
- Starshield
- user terminals
- control theory
- state estimation
- orbital mechanics
- spacecraft systems design
- optimization
- C++
Nice to have
- physics
- antenna design and actuation
- translational state estimation
- excellent communication skills
- active clearance
- sensitive SpaceX missions
Role summary
Starshield, a division of SpaceX, is seeking a GNC Engineer specializing in Phased Array Devices to support national security efforts. This role focuses on GNC algorithm design and development for Starshield user terminals, directly connecting ground users to the Starshield network. Responsibilities include designing and analyzing GNC logic, implementing real-time navigation and beam-steering algorithms, and developing GNSS-independent PNT algorithms for high-velocity platforms. The engineer will also support hardware development, model derivation, simulation, and production software deployment (C++). A Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required, along with software development experience in C++, Python, and/or MATLAB/Simulink, and experience with attitude determination or state estimation algorithms. Preferred qualifications include a Master's or PhD, and direct experience with state estimation, feedback control, robotics, antenna design, inertial navigation systems, GNSS, and phased array antenna systems. An active Top Secret clearance is highly preferred.
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, PHASED ARRAY DEVICES (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 this team, you will bring a passion and expertise in areas like control theory, state estimation, orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starshield GNC team. This role is specifically dedicated toward GNC algorithm design and development for Starshield user terminals, which directly connect users on the ground to the space-based Starshield network. The software you write will be deployed directly to production systems that are in the hands of the end-users of the various unique Starshield capabilities; as such, this role is high impact and crucial to providing continuous improvement to the utility and quality of Starshield's products and mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay Range:Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00
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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
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.
Sample SpaceX interview questions
- 1
Build a distributed platform for storing and serving digital assets.
system designmedium - 2
Design a system for real-time processing of IoT device data.
system designmedium - 3
Design a distributed message queue like Kafka.
system designmedium - 4
Develop a web app that shortens URLs like TinyURL.
system designmedium - 5
Propose a high-level design for a tracing system that can handle millions of spans per second across thousands of services.
system designmedium
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