GNC Engineer (Starfall)

SpaceX • Hawthorne, CA • 2h ago

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

GNC ENGINEER (STARFALL)

SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, atmospheric entry, optimization, and software development to join the Starfall guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Come help us develop the GNC algorithms for Starfall, an entry capsule designed for logistics and in-space manufacturing applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python; Starfall GNC Engineers write actual production code, not just proto@types for transcription by another team

Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews

Bulk data analysis to review performance data from Starfall flights, simulations, and operations

Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis

Entry vehicle trajectory design, guidance, and optimization

Atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL) algorithms

Precision navigation and state estimation for reentry and recovery

Attitude determination and control during orbital, deorbit, and atmospheric flight phases

Fleet-level or multi-vehicle coordination for logistics delivery and recovery operations

Simulation, analysis, and performance evaluation of entry systems under a wide range of conditions

Integration of GNC with vehicle systems supporting military logistics and in-space manufacturing missions

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline

1+ years of software development experience in either C++ or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline or physics

Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects

Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals

Experience with atmospheric entry guidance, navigation, and control for capsules or reentry vehicles

Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, deorbit planning, and entry trajectory optimization

Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models (including atmospheric, aerodynamic, and thermal environments)

Experience with state estimation, particularly for reentry vehicles (IMU, GNSS, radar/optical, or other sensors)

Familiarity with hypersonic flight regimes, aeroheating considerations, and precision landing/recovery techniques

General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft and entry vehicle 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 and enabling new applications such as military logistics and in-space manufacturing

Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year

Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc\kb\article\page&sys\id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

SpaceX

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