New Graduate Engineer, GNC

About the Role

SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starlink guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Enable access to high-speed broadband internet in all corners of the world by writing autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites and millions of user terminals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Perform bulk data analysis to review performance data from various elements of the Starlink constellation and network.
• Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis.
• Support on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites or reviewing network data to keep the network continuously operating at peak performance.
• Specific team responsibilities may include:
• Constellation design and optimization.
• Fleet management and satellite orbit transfer automation, including supporting software infrastructure.
• Constellation-level and network-level analysis of existing and proposed satellite systems.
• Satellite collision avoidance.
• Satellite attitude determination and control.
• Satellite orbit control (e.g., low thrust trajectory optimization, station-keeping).
• Precision state estimation and control of various network payloads (RF antennas, laser inter-satellite links).

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics, or an engineering discipline.
• Software development experience in either C++ or Python.
• Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• ITAR Requirements: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Master's degree or PHD in an engineering discipline or physics.
• Developed, debugged, and deployed software used in real-world applications/projects.
• Creative approach to problem-solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
• Cradle-to-grave development of three-axis stabilized spacecraft incorporating momentum, magnetic, and propulsive control.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping.
• Experience verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation and validation of simulation models.
• Experience with state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation.
• Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods (e.g., Alfano, Foster, Hall).
• General familiarity with disciplines necessary for spacecraft 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.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.