GNC Engineer (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a GNC Engineer to push the boundaries of flight control systems for advanced rockets. In this dynamic role, you will collaborate with a talented team to develop and analyze cutting-edge technologies for the next-generation Starship vehicle. Your work will involve creating innovative guidance and control systems, conducting simulations, and supporting launch operations. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of human space exploration, where your skills and passion for aerospace engineering will play a crucial role in shaping the next era of space travel.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Potential discretionary bonuses

Vision and dental coverage

Short & long-term disability insurance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering required.
• Experience with control systems and modeling essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative guidance, navigation, and control systems for Starship.
• Conduct post-flight data review and support mission operations.

Skills

Control Systems

Orbital Mechanics

Classical Dynamics

Modeling and Simulation

Python

C++

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering

Postgraduate degree in Physics or Engineering

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 (STARSHIP)

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for pushing the technical boundaries of flight control systems for the world’s most advanced rockets, including our next-generation Starship vehicle, a fully reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans to the Moon, Mars and beyond. You will work with a talented team of accomplished engineers to develop, analyze, and test vehicles and subsystems for highly reliable flight. You should thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments where you adapt quickly and love to solve hard problems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop innovative guidance, navigation, and control systems for Starship
• Engage in multi-disciplinary vehicle systems investigations and design work that define the systems architecture
• Implement new software or algorithms to enable mission unique capabilities and leading edge launch vehicle performance
• Develop 6-DOF dynamics simulation models used for GNC systems analysis and validation
• Analyze launch vehicle trajectories, performance dispersions, and flight stability
• Conduct post flight data review and correlation with analyses for continued improvement of predictions
• Support launch and mission operations of vehicles that you enabled
• Perform testing of GNC software utilizing hardware-in-the-loop testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and algorithm unit testing

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• Experience with control systems, orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling, and simulation
• Experience with the software languages Python or C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Postgraduate degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience in control systems, orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, aerodynamics, sensors and actuators, modeling and simulation, and the software languages C++ and Python
• Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft system
• 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

COMPENSATION & 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 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.