GNC Engineer, Fleet Management; Starshield

Overview

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Starshield leverages Space

X's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As an engineer on the GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), Fleet Management team, you will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of Starshield's constellation.

• Design constellations through analysis and simulation and bring them into reality through satellite and ground software development.
• Apply expertise in orbital mechanics to both define constellation geometry and implement the control systems necessary to maintain it, including orbit raise, station keeping, and collision avoidance algorithms.
• Work collaboratively across engineering teams to represent the satellite system at the constellation level, ultimately defining scope and requirements for future vehicles.

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

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in an engineering discipline, computer science, or physics
• Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software that has been used in real-world applications/projects
• Creative approach to problem-solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals
• Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and Hall
• Experience with automating complex systems
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and station-keeping
• Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
• Experience with space-based sensor platforms and state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation
• General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft 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
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, or ability to obtain one

• Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical operations
• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive Space
  
  X missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

Pay range:
GNC Engineer/Level I: $ - $/per year
GNC Engineer/Level II: $ - $/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• 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.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space

X is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be…