GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (Starlink)

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Company shuttle

Health benefits

401(k)

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a GNC Engineer, Orbit Control for Starlink to develop trajectory control algorithms and validate them through simulations and on‑orbit experiments. The role focuses on planning thousands of maneuvers to keep 10k+ satellites in the correct configurations, ensuring mission success and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities include implementing closed‑loop control, contributing to architecture and code reviews, and delivering production‑quality software that runs on satellites

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in applicable engineering discipline, physics, math, or computer science.
• Strong fundamental understanding of dynamical systems.
• Software development experience in C++ and Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop closed‑loop trajectory control algorithms for orbital maneuvers across mission phases.
• Identify features to improve control performance and resilience.
• Conduct simulation studies and on‑orbit experiments to assess changes.
• Support development of new satellite generations via trade studies.
• Work on large‑scale constellation maneuvers and optimization.
• Write production code in C++ and Python for satellites and ground segment.
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
• Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor the fleet.
• Document algorithms and analyses clearly.
• Participate in operation of the satellite fleet.

Skills

C++

Python

Dynamical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in applicable engineering discipline, physics, math, or computer science

Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field

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, ORBIT CONTROL (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system serving millions of users all over the Earth. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best‑in‑class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer on Starlink's orbit control team, you will develop the algorithms that plan thousands of orbital maneuvers every day to ensure 10k+ satellites are exactly where they need to be in order to serve our customers and satisfy a wide range of mission constraints.

Come help us fly the world's largest constellation and make high speed internet available everywhere, all the time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop closed‑loop trajectory control algorithms using a mix of discrete and continuous manipulation of thrust and drag for all mission phases, including orbit raise out of the insertion orbit, station‑keeping at the operational altitude, and eventual deorbit for demise in the atmosphere
• Identify and implement features to improve control performance, enhance prediction quality, increase solar storm resilience, and reduce network impact
• Conduct simulation studies and on‑orbit experiments to assess configuration and algorithm changes
• Contribute to the development of new satellite generations by executing trade studies that inform hardware development and concept of operations
• Support large‑scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and feature development
• Write high quality code in C++ and Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code that runs on the satellites and in the ground segment
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
• Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor the fleet
• Write clear and concise technical documentation of programs, algorithms, and analyses
• Participate in the operation of the satellite fleet

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in applicable engineering discipline, physics, math, or computer science
• Strong fundamental understanding of dynamical systems
• Software development experience in C++ and Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or PhD in a field relevant to this position
• Expertise in orbital mechanics, relative orbital dynamics, maneuver planning, and collision avoidance
• Familiarity with state‑space methods and classical control theory
• Prior exposure to trajectory optimization, model predictive control, convex optimization, and mixed‑integer programming
• Knowledge of numerical propagation methods and their application to high‑fidelity orbit propagation and uncertainty modelling
• Familiarity with high‑order gravity models and atmosphere models
• Real world experience developing, debugging, and deploying software
• Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills
• Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
• 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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range: GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year; GNC Engineer/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, 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 Affir­mative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].