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. Applicants will interview for specific teams based on hiring needs and qualifications.

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.
• Constellation design and optimization
• Fleet management and satellite orbit transfer automation, including all 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, such as low thrust trajectory optimization and 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
• Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027
• Software development experience in either C++ or Python

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PHD in an engineering discipline or physics (preferred)
• Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects (preferred)
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals (preferred)
• Cradle to grave development of three axis stabilized spacecraft incorporating momentum, magnetic, and propulsive control (preferred)
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping (preferred)
• Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models (preferred)
• Experience with state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation (preferred)
• Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and Hall (preferred)
• General familiarity with the 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 (preferred)
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction (preferred)
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry (preferred)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere (preferred)
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal (preferred)
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed (additional requirement)
• U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee (ITAR requirements)