GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a passionate GNC Engineer to join their Starshield team. This role focuses on designing and developing GNC algorithms for advanced phased array devices that support national security efforts. You will engage in high-impact work, directly contributing to software deployed in critical systems utilized by end-users. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in aerospace engineering, software development, and control theory. Join a dynamic environment where your expertise will help shape the future of space exploration and technology.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Short and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field is required.
• Experience in software development with C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze GNC logic for phased array antennas.
• Develop algorithms for position, navigation, and timing.

Skills

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Control Theory

State Estimation

Orbital Mechanics

Software Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Master's degree or PhD in physics or engineering

Tools

Simulation Software

GNSS Systems

Phased Array Antenna Systems

Job description

Hawthorne, CA

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
• Experience with 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
• Loosely/tightly coupled state estimation
• 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 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: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
GNC Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.

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].