GNC Engineer, Satellite Power Systems

About the role

Join the team responsible for the Guidance, Navigation, and Control of the Starlink satellite constellation. You will manage power system physics, vehicle design trades, and flight code implementation to support global broadband operations. In this capacity, you will own the development and analysis of power distribution architectures specific to the satellite bus. You will translate high-level mission requirements into detailed power system constraints and verify them through rigorous modeling. Your work will directly influence the stability and efficiency of energy generation, storage, and consumption across the fleet. You will act as a technical lead in diagnosing and resolving emergent power-related behaviors in orbit. This role requires a disciplined approach to managing complex interactions between power hardware and GNC algorithms. You will contribute to the creation of robust operational procedures that maintain system integrity throughout the mission lifecycle.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and validate the electrical power flow control logic embedded within satellite flight software.
• Construct high-fidelity simulations that model power system behavior under diverse orbital and payload conditions.
• Implement monitoring frameworks that track energy production, battery state, and consumption patterns in real time.
• Perform design trade studies comparing solar array configurations, battery technologies, and power routing strategies.
• Develop detection algorithms that identify subtle anomalies in power subsystem telemetry before they escalate.
• Define fault protection schemes to isolate failures and prevent cascading issues across the power network.
• Collaborate closely with software engineers to ensure control algorithms meet deterministic timing and reliability targets.
• Partner with satellite operations specialists to refine procedures for in-orbit power system calibration and recovery.
• Utilize MATLAB and Simulink to prototype control laws and verify their stability in simulated environments.
• Document design rationales, test results, and interface specifications to support audits and future iterations.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in physics, aerospace engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field.
• Demonstrate professional experience coding in Python, C, C++, or Java to implement technical algorithms.
• Possess U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee status, or asylee status to satisfy ITAR compliance.
• Show the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven engineering environment.
• Exhibit strong analytical skills to interpret data and resolve complex interactions between systems.
• Commit to adhering to strict engineering standards and verification processes for flight hardware.
• Be prepared to engage in on-call responsibilities to address critical power system issues as they arise.
• Maintain reliability and consistency in meeting project milestones and supporting team objectives.

Nice to have

• Hold a Master degree or PhD in an engineering discipline or physics.
• Apply knowledge of linear closed loop controls using frequency domain and state space representations.
• Leverage background in reduced finite element models and flexible body dynamics for structural analysis.
• Utilize experience with state estimation, recursive least squares, and Kalman filtering for precision tracking.
• Demonstrate expertise in MATLAB, Simulink, and embedded software development for space systems.
• Bring practical experience with flight software deployment, testing, and spacecraft operations procedures.

Practical notes

• Compensation details are provided at the hiring manager level during the offer stage.
• Expected work schedule is full-time, with requirements for extended hours and weekend availability during critical phases.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and authorization to work in the United States.
• New hires may be required to participate in training sessions at company facilities as part of onboarding.
• Company shuttles operate from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office to support commuting needs.
• This role is based in Redmond, Washington, and relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Applicants must submit all requested documentation by the specified deadline to be considered for review.