GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (Starlink)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop closed-loop trajectory control algorithms using a mix of discrete and continuous manipulation of thrust and drag for all mission phases, including orbit raise, station-keeping, and deorbit.
• Identify and implement features to improve control performance, enhance prediction quality, increase solar storm resilience, and reduce network impact.
• Conduct simulation studies and on-orbit experiments to assess configuration and algorithm changes.
• Contribute to the development of new satellite generations by executing trade studies that inform hardware development and concept of operations.
• Support large-scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and feature development.
• Write high quality code in C++ and Python.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor the fleet.
• Write clear and concise technical documentation of programs, algorithms, and analyses.
• Participate in the operation of the satellite fleet.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable engineering discipline, physics, math, or computer science.
• Strong fundamental understanding of dynamical systems.
• Software development experience in C++ and Python.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a field relevant to this position.
• Expertise in orbital mechanics, relative orbital dynamics, maneuver planning, and collision avoidance.
• Familiarity with state-space methods and classical control theory.
• Prior exposure to trajectory optimization, model predictive control, convex optimization, and mixed-integer programming.
• Knowledge of numerical propagation methods and their application to high-fidelity orbit propagation and uncertainty modelling.
• Familiarity with high-order gravity models and atmosphere models.
• Real-world experience developing, debugging, and deploying software.
• Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills.
• Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models.
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction.
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.