GNC Engineer, Starlink Controls

About the role

Become a vital member of the Starlink Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team, where you will contribute to the development and management of control systems for the largest satellite constellation in existence, which currently serves over 10 million users worldwide. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of dynamics and closed-loop control systems to ensure precise satellite pointing across various components, including payloads, propulsion systems, and mechanisms. Your responsibilities will encompass the entire lifecycle of vehicle design, from initial simulations and design trades to the implementation of flight code and operations in orbit.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design, analyze, and implement control systems for electromechanical components such as solar array actuators, antenna gimbals, and high-bandwidth active optics.
• Develop systems for satellite attitude control and momentum management to ensure optimal performance.
• Create control mechanisms for fluid and power systems specifically for Starlink hall thrusters.
• Utilize optimal state estimation techniques to enhance mechanical alignment and determine satellite attitude.
• Establish performance specifications for hardware, assist in hardware iteration, firmware initialization, and design qualification, as well as automated production screening and fleet performance monitoring.
• Construct and maintain high-fidelity simulations using programming languages such as C++, Python, and MATLAB, integrating these into collaborative analysis tools.
• Write, validate, unit test, and deploy production software in C++ for the aforementioned systems.
• Provide engineering support and data review for hardware development and monitor performance at the network level.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related engineering field.
• Proficiency in software development using C++.
• Experience in designing and analyzing closed-loop control systems.

Nice to have

• A Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline is preferred.
• Significant project or professional experience in linear closed-loop control analysis and design, including familiarity with state space and frequency domain methods.
• Knowledge of flexible body dynamics and reduced finite element models in the context of closed-loop control.
• Expertise in state estimation techniques, including Kalman filters and information filters.
• Strong skills in embedded C++, particularly for firmware related to electromechanical control systems.
• A solid grasp of classical rigid body dynamics, orbital mechanics, and associated modeling and simulation techniques.
• Direct experience with spacecraft operations, including flight software development, testing, and deployment.
• Ability to independently identify and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Skills & tools

• C++
• Python
• MATLAB
• Closed-loop control system design and analysis
• State estimation techniques
• Simulation development

Practical notes

• Candidates must be prepared to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• ITAR compliance: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees under 8 U.S.C. 1157, asylees under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• Salary range for Level I positions is between $125,000 and $145,000 annually; for Level II positions, it ranges from $145,000 to $175,000 per year.
• The actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Additional compensation may include company stock, stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and access to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits encompass comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Employees accrue three weeks of paid vacation, along with ten or more paid holidays each year.
• Employees in Washington State will accrue paid sick leave in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Company shuttles are available for round-trip travel from select locations in Seattle to the Redmond office, operating Monday through Friday.