GNC Engineer (Starfall)

SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, atmospheric entry, optimization, and software development to join the Starfall guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Come help us develop the GNC algorithms for Starfall, an entry capsule designed for logistics and in-space manufacturing applications.

• →Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python; Starfall GNC Engineers write actual production code, not just prototypes for transcription by another team
• →Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
• →Bulk data analysis to review performance data from Starfall flights, simulations, and operations
• →Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
• →Entry vehicle trajectory design, guidance, and optimization
• →Atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL) algorithms
• →Precision navigation and state estimation for reentry and recovery
• →Attitude determination and control during orbital, deorbit, and atmospheric flight phases
• →Fleet-level or multi-vehicle coordination for logistics delivery and recovery operations
• →Simulation, analysis, and performance evaluation of entry systems under a wide range of conditions
• →Integration of GNC with vehicle systems supporting military logistics and in-space manufacturing missions

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of software development experience in either C++ or Python

• Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline or physics
• Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects
• Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals
• Experience with atmospheric entry guidance, navigation, and control for capsules or reentry vehicles
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, deorbit planning, and entry trajectory optimization
• Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models (including atmospheric, aerodynamic, and thermal environments)
• Experience with state estimation, particularly for reentry vehicles (IMU, GNSS, radar/optical, or other sensors)
• Familiarity with hypersonic flight regimes, aeroheating considerations, and precision landing/recovery techniques
• General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft and entry vehicle flight including structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration. Practical experience in real world development of these systems is highly desired
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and enabling new applications such as military logistics and in-space manufacturing
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

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

• 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.