Senior GNC Engineer – Starship Flight Control

Starlink; Texas; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. GNC Engineer for the Starship program to push the boundaries of flight control systems for next-generation rockets. You will work with top engineers to develop, analyze, and test Starship subsystems and vehicles, enabling reliable flight in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, modeling, simulation, and testing of GNC software using HIL, Monte Carlo analyses, and rigorous validation against mission requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering required.
• 5+ years of professional experience.
• Experience with control systems, orbital mechanics, dynamics, modeling, and simulation.
• Proficiency in Python or C++.

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

Skills

Control systems

Orbital mechanics

Classical dynamics

Modeling & simulation

Python

C++

Education

Bachelor's 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.

SR. 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 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
• 5+ years of professional experience
• 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
• Experience in aerodynamics, sensors and actuators
• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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].