GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (Starlink)

About the role

As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer on Starlink’s orbit control team, you will develop the algorithms that plan thousands of orbital maneuvers every day to ensure 10k+ satellites are exactly where they need to be in order to serve our customers and satisfy a wide range of mission constraints. Come help us fly the world's largest constellation and make high-speed internet available everywhere, all the time.

Responsibilities

• Develop closed-loop trajectory control algorithms using a mix of discrete and continuous manipulation of thrust and drag for all mission phases, including orbit raise out of the insertion orbit, station-keeping at the operational altitude, and eventual deorbit for demise in the atmosphere
• Identify and implement features to improve control performance, enhance prediction quality, increase solar storm resilience, and reduce network impact
• Conduct simulation studies and on-orbit experiments to assess configuration and algorithm changes
• Contribute to the development of new satellite generations by executing trade studies that inform hardware development and concept of operations
• Support large-scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and feature development
• Write high-quality code in C++ and Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code that runs on the satellites and in the ground segment
• Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
• Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor the fleet
• Write clear and concise technical documentation of programs, algorithms, and analyses
• Participate in the operation of the satellite fleet

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable engineering discipline, physics, math, or computer science
• Strong fundamental understanding of dynamical systems
• Software development experience in C++ and Python

Skills

• Master's degree or PhD in a field relevant to this position
• Expertise in orbital mechanics, relative orbital dynamics, maneuver planning, and collision avoidance
• Familiarity with state-space methods and classical control theory
• Prior exposure to trajectory optimization, model predictive control, convex optimization, and mixed-integer programming
• Knowledge of numerical propagation methods and their application to high-fidelity orbit propagation and uncertainty modelling
• Familiarity with high-order gravity models and atmosphere models
• Real-world experience developing, debugging, and deploying software
• Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills
• Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
• 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

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick time (for employees in Washington State)
• Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office (Monday to Friday)
• Long-term incentives in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Pay

GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

GNC Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

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.