GNC Engineer (Starfall)

About the role

SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, atmospheric entry, optimization, and software development to join the Starfall guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Come help us develop the GNC algorithms for Starfall, an entry capsule designed for logistics and in-space manufacturing applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python; Starfall 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 Starfall flights, simulations, and operations
• Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
• Entry vehicle trajectory design, guidance, and optimization
• Atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL) algorithms
• Precision navigation and state estimation for reentry and recovery
• Attitude determination and control during orbital, deorbit, and atmospheric flight phases
• Fleet-level or multi-vehicle coordination for logistics delivery and recovery operations
• Simulation, analysis, and performance evaluation of entry systems under a wide range of conditions
• Integration of GNC with vehicle systems supporting military logistics and in-space manufacturing missions

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of software development experience in either C++ or Python

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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
• Experience with atmospheric entry guidance, navigation, and control for capsules or reentry vehicles
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, deorbit planning, and entry trajectory optimization
• Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models (including atmospheric, aerodynamic, and thermal environments)
• Experience with state estimation, particularly for reentry vehicles (IMU, GNSS, radar/optical, or other sensors)
• Familiarity with hypersonic flight regimes, aeroheating considerations, and precision landing/recovery techniques
• General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft and entry vehicle 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 and enabling new applications such as military logistics and in-space manufacturing
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Additional Requirements

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

Pay range

Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year

Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

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.