GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starshield)

About the role

Become a vital member of the Starshield Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team at SpaceX. In this position, you will be responsible for developing sophisticated software that directs the operations of Starshield satellites. Your role will encompass the design, analysis, and testing of GNC systems, ensuring they perform reliably in orbit. Your work will play a crucial role in supporting significant national security missions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and develop GNC software for satellite operations throughout all flight phases, including emergency scenarios.
• Formulate operational strategies that effectively manage thermal constraints, power distribution, momentum, communication, and payload orientation.
• Create and implement onboard GNC algorithms that enhance vehicle autonomy and ensure fault tolerance.
• Modify GNC software configurations to accommodate various satellite architectures and mission requirements.
• Execute high-fidelity six degrees of freedom (6DOF) modeling and simulation to analyze satellite dynamics, sensors, and actuators.
• Carry out Monte Carlo simulations to assess flight safety and evaluate system performance metrics.
• Engage in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, which includes designing test cases and reviewing data outcomes.
• Engineer and refine navigation filtering and control systems for optimal performance.
• Contribute to the spacecraft design process, focusing on the sizing of ADCS sensors and actuators.
• Develop and enhance intricate models for sensors, actuators, and dynamics to be used in simulations.
• Maintain effective communication with cross-functional teams, such as thermal and power engineering, to ensure cohesive system design.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Proven experience in software development using languages such as C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.

Nice to have

• A Master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• A foundational understanding of GNC principles and technical concepts.
• A solid technical background in spacecraft attitude and orbit dynamics, navigation filtering, or control systems design.
• Capability to independently recognize and address complex issues.
• A proactive approach to managing intricate, multidisciplinary challenges with a focus on system-level optimization.
• Experience in a fast-paced engineering environment that emphasizes ongoing improvement.
• Demonstrated history of designing, testing, and deploying real-world GNC solutions, ideally on space vehicles.
• Familiarity with on-orbit operations of space vehicles, including commanding, troubleshooting, and utilizing telemetry for performance assessment.
• Knowledge of orbit navigation filtering using GNSS and attitude navigation employing star trackers/rate gyros.
• A strong grasp of unit testing, regression testing, and CI/CD processes in complex software development.
• Experience with GNC algorithm unit testing and flight software deployment.
• Proficiency with tools such as Git, Linux, Confluence, and Jira.
• An active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the capability to obtain and maintain one.

Skills & tools

• C++
• Python
• MATLAB/Simulink
• Git
• Linux
• Confluence
• Jira

Practical notes

This position may necessitate working extended hours and weekends to support critical development phases or on-orbit operations. Holding an active security clearance may enable participation in sensitive SpaceX missions, which includes pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.

• GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000 - $150,000 annually
• GNC Engineer/Level II: $145,000 - $175,000 annually

Actual salary will be determined based on your knowledge, skills, education, and experience. An active security clearance can provide a 10% salary differential, potentially adding up to $20,000 per year upon briefing into classified programs. Total compensation encompasses base salary, long-term incentives (including stock options and cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, employee discounts, three weeks of paid vacation, and over ten paid holidays.

ITAR Requirements: Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.