GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (Starlink)

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. GNC ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system serving millions of users all over the Earth. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe. 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 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 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 PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 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 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year