Sr. GNC Engineer (Starship) Controls

Confidential; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer in Starbase, TX to push flight control system boundaries for Starship. You will work with a team of engineers to develop, analyze, and test vehicles and subsystems for highly reliable flight.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in physics or engineering, 5+ years of experience, and strong knowledge of control systems, orbital mechanics, and modeling. Proficiency in Python or C++ is expected, with readiness for extended hours as needed.

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++.

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 analyses and validation.
• Analyze launch vehicle trajectories, performance dispersions, and flight stability.
• Conduct post-flight data review and correlation with analyses for improvement of predictions.
• Support launch and mission operations of vehicles that you enabled.
• Perform testing of GNC software using hardware-in-the-loop testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and unit testing.

Skills

Control systems

Orbital mechanics

Classical dynamics

Modeling & simulation

Python

C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline

Job description

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 U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or 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.

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].