GNC Engineer (Dragon)

About the role

As a GNC Engineer on the Dragon team, you will be responsible for performing mission design and implementing new GNC algorithms tailored to crewed and cargo spacecraft operations.

You will drive the full-cycle of Dragon missions, from capturing requirements from NASA and commercial partners, through design reviews, simulation and analysis of orbital maneuvers, docking, and reentry profiles, to executing real-time operations from mission control.

You help set the industry standard in human spaceflight reliability by supporting launch, rendezvous and docking with the ISS, deorbit and splashdown recovery, and abort system integration for every Dragon mission.

This includes supporting all Commercial Resupply Services (CRS), Commercial Crew Program (CCP), private astronaut missions aboard Crew Dragon and Cargo Dragon vehicles, as well as the development of the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) for safe ISS disposal, including GNC design for precise deorbit trajectories and end-of-life maneuvering.

We are looking for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, can work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and share our passion for advancing the space industry. This is a high-impact role that contributes to the SpaceX mission of enabling life on multiple planets.

Responsibilities

• Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for Crew and Cargo Dragon missions
• Implement new software or algorithms to support mission unique capabilities
• Select flight constants and guidance parameters
• Perform post-flight data review and correlation with analyses for continued improvement of predictions
• Manage mission operations support
• Perform analysis to verify compliance with contractual mission requirements including direct customer interface with NASA
• Test flight software and document analysis and test results with a focus on automation and efficiency of reporting

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
• 1+ years of experience with orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling and simulation (school/class projects and/or internship projects apply)
• 1+ years of experience with software languages C++ and/or Python (school/class projects and/or internship projects apply)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience in orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling and simulation, and the software languages C++ and Python
• Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems
• Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Pay Range

Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00

Level 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.

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.