GNC Engineer, Collision Avoidance

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $125,000–$165,000 / yr
Posted: 6 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

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Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $168k

This role $145k

$116k $206k

below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays less than 53% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$197,500 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $145k versus about $168k 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 853 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $125,000–$165,000 across 579 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · GNC Engineer, Collision Avoidance

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GNC Engineer, Collision Avoidance (Starlink) joins the Starlink Collision Avoidance team to manage the automated collision avoidance pipeline for a large satellite constellation. This role involves full-stack ownership of satellite-side algorithms, ground-side supporting services, and performance monitoring infrastructure. You will design and implement autonomous on-satellite collision avoidance algorithms, orbit determination systems, and ground services for maneuver scheduling. Key responsibilities include running Monte Carlo analyses, performing bulk telemetry data analysis, and writing integrated test cases. The position requires proficiency in C++ and Python, with a focus on orbital mechanics, state estimation, Kalman filtering, and numerical probability of collision methods like Alfano, Foster, and Hall. You will solve complex problems regarding orbital debris and micrometeorite environments to ensure safe autonomous operations in a demanding, fast-paced atmosphere.

Skills

C++ Python GNC Orbital Mechanics Kalman Filtering State Estimation Monte Carlo Analysis Modeling and Simulation Systems Engineering Orbit Determination Statistics Software Development Data Analysis

What you'll do

Design and implement autonomous on-satellite collision avoidance algorithms using C++.
Develop ground services in C++ and Python to facilitate automated maneuver scheduling.
Build tools and dashboards to monitor the performance of the autonomous collision avoidance system.
Design orbit determination systems for accurate state and uncertainty propagation.
Perform Monte Carlo analyses and bulk telemetry data analysis to characterize system performance.
Write integrated test cases and high-quality documentation for satellite and ground software.
Monitor on-orbit system performance and troubleshoot issues as part of an on-call rotation.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in software, engineering, physics, or a related field.
Software development experience in either C++ or Python.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible for Department of State authorization.
Master's degree in software, engineering, physics, or a related field (preferred).
2+ years of experience in a space mission design or related role (preferred).
Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, modeling and simulation, software development, statistics, and systems engineering (preferred).
Familiarity with state estimation, Kalman filtering, orbital debris physics, and numerical probability of collision methods (preferred).
Practical experience flying spacecraft and ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding atmosphere (preferred).

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