GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starshield)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $125,000–$150,000 / yr
Posted: today

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Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $164k

This role $138k

$117k most similar roles pay here $201k

This role pays less than 65% of similar roles. Most pay $135,000–$193,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $138k versus about $164k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

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About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

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TL;DR · GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starshield)

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Seeking a GNC Engineer to join the ADCS team at Starshield, responsible for designing and implementing spacecraft attitude determination and control systems. This role involves developing software that ensures reliable satellite operations across various mission phases, including off-nominal scenarios. Key tasks include creating high-fidelity simulations, conducting Monte Carlo analyses, and participating in hardware-in-the-loop testing. The ideal candidate has a strong background in aerospace engineering or related fields with experience in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink. Familiarity with spacecraft dynamics, navigation filtering, and on-orbit operations is essential, along with proficiency in Git, Linux, Confluence, and Jira. This high-impact role demands expertise in autonomous vehicle control and system-level optimization to support Starshield’s mission success.

Skills

Python C++ MATLAB Simulink Git Linux CI/CD Jira Confluence Monte Carlo simulation HITL testing 6DOF modeling Navigation filtering Unit testing Regression testing GNC algorithms Flight telemetry Spacecraft dynamics Star trackers Rate gyros

What you'll do

Design and implement satellite GNC software for mission concepts across all flight phases.
Develop concepts of operations that balance thermal, power, momentum management, and payload needs.
Create and refine onboard GNC algorithms to ensure high vehicle autonomy and fault tolerance.
Conduct high-fidelity 6DOF modeling and simulation of satellite dynamics and interactions.
Perform Monte Carlo simulations to validate safe and reliable flight performance.
Lead integrated hardware-in-the-loop testing efforts including test case design and data review.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, or related field
Experience with C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink for software development
Strong technical skills in spacecraft attitude dynamics and navigation filtering
Proven ability to design and implement GNC algorithms for space vehicles
Familiarity with on-orbit operations and telemetry analysis for space vehicles
Understanding of unit testing, regression testing, and CI/CD in complex environments
Experience with Git, Linux, Confluence, and Jira for project management

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