GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices (Starshield)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options and long-term incentives

401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive medical, vision, and…n/a

Paid parental leave

3 weeks of paid vacation

10+ paid holidays per year

Sick leave

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a GNC Engineer for Phased Array Devices (Starshield) to design and implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for ground-to-space terminals. You will develop real-time navigation, beam-steering, and state estimation methods to ensure robust performance in challenging environments.

The role emphasizes C++ software development, hardware collaboration, and production-grade validation, with strict requirements for safety, security clearances, and the ability to operate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science or an engineering discipline.
• Experience with C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink software development.
• Experience with attitude determination and/or state estimation algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Design and analysis of GNC logic for Starshield phased array antennas.
• Real-time angular and translational navigation using onboard sensors and state estimation.
• Design of beam-steering logic to track and hand-off satellites while maximizing link integrity.
• Development of GNSS independent PNT algorithms.
• Design and implementation of all of the above for high-velocity platforms.
• Engineering and data review support for hardware development and customer support triage.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers on future user terminal products and sensors.
• Model derivation and high-fidelity simulation for validation of features.
• Implementation, validation, unit testing, and deployment of production C++ software.

Skills

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Education

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

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, PHASED ARRAY DEVICES (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 an engineer on this team, you will bring a passion and expertise in areas like control theory, state estimation, orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starshield GNC team. This role is specifically dedicated toward GNC algorithm design and development for Starshield user terminals, which directly connect users on the ground to the space-based Starshield network. The software you write will be deployed directly to production systems that are in the hands of the end-users of the various unique Starshield capabilities; as such, this role is high impact and crucial to providing continuous improvement to the utility and quality of Starshield's products and mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and analysis of GNC logic for Starshield phased array antennas
• Real-time angular and translational navigation using onboard sensors and optimal state estimation techniques
• Design of beam-steering logic to track and hand-off satellites while maximizing link integrity in challenging operational environments
• Development of GNSS independent PNT (position, navigation, and timing) algorithms
• Design and implementation of all of the above for high-velocity/high-maneuverability platforms
• Provide engineering and data review support for hardware development, special projects, and customer support triage
• Work with hardware engineers on the design and specification of future user terminal products and their navigation sensor packages
• Model derivation and high fidelity simulation for development and validation of prototype features
• Implementation, validation, unit testing, and deployment of production software (C++) pertinent to the systems described above

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or an engineering discipline
• Software development experience in C++, Python, and/or MATLAB/Simulink
• Experience with attitude determination and/or state estimation algorithms

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
• Demonstrated project or professional experience in state estimation, feedback control, robotics, antenna design and actuation, or similar
• Direct experience with inertial navigation systems, GNSS, and phased array antenna systems
• Experience with translational state estimation in the absence of GNSS ranging and timing information
• Experience with loosely/tightly coupled state estimation
• Linux development experience
• Strong understanding of classical dynamics, modeling and simulation, and software development
• 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 Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q 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 testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00

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.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

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].