GNC Engineer, Beam Planning (Starshield)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA, invites an experienced GNC Engineer, Beam Planning (Starshield), to join a fast‑paced team advancing spacecraft guidance, navigation and control. You will develop algorithms, integrate flight software, and model payload performance to support orbit operations and on‑orbit missions.

The role requires a strong background in C++/Python, state estimation, and beam planning, with on‑call rotation and a readiness for extended hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Software development experience in C++ or Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, flight software, simulations, tools, and services using C++ or Python
• Conduct analyses, recommend designs, and write GNC software that balances competing requirements
• Build software tools and construct scenarios to analyze system performance
• Write high‑quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
• Develop software models of the operation and performance of various payloads
• Support your relevant on‑call operations rotation, keep ground and vehicle software continuously operating at peak performance

Skills

C++

Python

GNC engineering

Beam planning

State estimation

Satellite systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or computer science/ software engineering

Master's degree or PhD in physics or engineering (preferred)

Tools

C++

Python

Job description

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, BEAM PLANNING (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As a GNC engineer on this team, you will bring a passion and expertise in areas like state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starshield GNC team. Engineers on this team support various payloads through initial conception to on-orbit operation, with a focus on beam planning and algorithm development. You will be driving future hardware design and optimizing current payload performance through modeling and simulation. We are looking for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, can work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, and are passionate about advancing the space industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, flight software, simulations, tools, and services using C++ or Python
• Conduct analyses, recommend designs, and write GNC software that balances competing requirements
• Build software tools and construct scenarios to analyze system performance
• Write high‑quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
• Develop software models of the operation and performance of various payloads
• Support your relevant on‑call operations rotation, keep ground and vehicle software continuously operating at peak performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or an engineering discipline
• Software development experience in C++ or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
• Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation and validation of the simulation's models
• Experience simulating satellite payload performance
• Demonstrated experience in developing state estimation algorithms or optimization
• Experience with RF
• Linux development experience
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start‑up atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical path development and/or critical on‑orbit operations
• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre‑employment drug and random drug and alcohol test

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

• GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
• GNC Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
• Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
• 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, stock options, 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.

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 Affi… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].