GNC Engineer, Satellite Power Systems (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Company stock options

Paid parental leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a GNC Engineer for their Satellite Power Systems team in Redmond, WA. This role involves developing and maintaining control systems for power on Starlink satellites and analyzing data to optimize system performance. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and experience with programming languages like C/C++ and Python. The company offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including stock options, medical coverage, and paid parental leave.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other STEM discipline.
• Professional experience with coding languages: C/C++, Python, or Java.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain control systems for power flow on Starlink satellites.
• Analyze satellite data to identify system behavior.
• Interface with diverse teams including software and reliability.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Java

Control systems

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other STEM discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Embedded C++

Job description

GNC ENGINEER, SATELLITE POWER SYSTEMS

Location: Redmond, WA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is 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.

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to over 10 million users worldwide. 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 Satellite Power Systems engineer on the Starlink Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team, you will be responsible for vehicle design trades, simulation, flight code implementation, and ultimately deploying and operating your features in space.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, monitor, and maintain control systems for the flow of electrical power on our Starlink satellites.
• Improve insight into the health and performance of Starlink electrical power systems by developing ground‑based or on‑vehicle estimation schemes and summarizing fleet‑wide information relayed to the ground.
• Dig deep into data from satellites to identify anomalous system or algorithm behavior.
• Invent schemes to shield the vehicle from dangerous operation and shield algorithms from corruption.
• Interface with a diverse team – software, reliability, and satellite operations.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other STEM discipline.
• Professional experience with one of the following coding languages: C/C++, Python, Java.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline.
• Very strong expertise and demonstrated project or professional experience in linear closed‑loop controls analysis and design, including state space and frequency domain methods.
• Experience with flexible body dynamics and reduced finite element models thereof in the context of closed‑loop control systems analysis.
• Expertise in state estimation, Kalman filters, or recursive least squares.
• Experience in control systems and estimation.
• Strong expertise in embedded C++, Python, MATLAB, Simulink, and other software development languages/tools.
• Direct experience with spacecraft operations and flight software development, testing, and deployment.
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems in a self‑directed manner.
• 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.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

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. 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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].