GNC Engineer – Dragon Missions (Crew & Cargo)

SpaceX; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a GNC Engineer (Dragon) to design and implement GNC algorithms for crewed and cargo spacecraft. You’ll drive Dragon missions from requirements to real-time operations, supporting ISS rendezvous, docking, deorbit, and entry.

The role demands solving complex problems in a fast-paced space environment and collaboration across teams. You will work with NASA contracts, perform validation, and contribute to human spaceflight advancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics.
• 1+ years of experience with orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling and simulation (school/class projects and/or internship projects apply).
• 1+ years of experience with software languages C++ and/or Python (school/class projects and/or internship projects apply).
• Master’s degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of professional experience in orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling and simulation, and the software languages C++ and Python.
• Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems.
• Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team.
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for Crew and Cargo Dragon missions.
• Implement new software or algorithms to support mission unique capabilities.
• Select flight constants and guidance parameters.
• Perform post-flight data review and correlation with analyses for continued improvement of predictions.
• Manage mission operations support.
• Perform analysis to verify compliance with contractual mission requirements including direct customer interface with NASA.
• Test flight software and document analysis and test results with a focus on automation and efficiency of reporting.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Simulation & modeling

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics

Tools

C++

Python

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a GNC Engineer (Dragon) to design and implement GNC algorithms for crewed and cargo spacecraft. You’ll drive Dragon missions from requirements to real-time operations, supporting ISS rendezvous, docking, deorbit, and entry.

The role demands solving complex problems in a fast-paced space environment and collaboration across teams. You will work with NASA contracts, perform validation, and contribute to human spaceflight advancements.