GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices

SpaceX

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $125,000–$160,000 / yr
Posted: 57 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live today
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $180k

This role $142k

$114k $226k

below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays less than 78% of similar roles. Most pay $145,000–$214,000 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $142k versus about $180k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

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 851 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 590 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices

Role Posting Log in to save

The GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices (Starshield) joins the Starshield GNC team to support government-focused earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. This role focuses on GNC algorithm design and development for Starshield user terminals that connect ground users to the space-based network. Key responsibilities include designing GNC logic for phased array antennas, developing real-time angular and translational navigation using onboard sensors, and creating beam-steering logic to track satellites. The engineer will also develop GNSS-independent PNT algorithms for high-velocity platforms and provide data review for hardware development. Required technical skills include C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink, along with experience in state estimation, attitude determination, and classical dynamics. The work involves modeling, high-fidelity simulation, and deploying production software to ensure continuous improvement of Starshield products.

Skills

C++ Python MATLAB Simulink Linux Control Theory State Estimation Orbital Mechanics GNC Robotics Phased Array Antennas GNSS PNT Classical Dynamics Modeling and Simulation Unit Testing

What you'll do

Design and analyze GNC logic for Starshield phased array antennas.
Develop real-time angular and translational navigation using onboard sensors and state estimation.
Design beam-steering logic to track satellites while maximizing link integrity.
Develop GNSS-independent PNT algorithms for high-velocity and high-maneuverability platforms.
Model derivations and high-fidelity simulations to validate prototype features.
Implement, test, and deploy production software in C++ for user terminal systems.
Collaborate with hardware engineers to specify navigation sensor packages and future products.
Provide engineering data review for hardware development and customer support triage.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or an engineering discipline.
Software development experience in C++, Python, and/or MATLAB/Simulink.
Experience with attitude determination and/or state estimation algorithms.
Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline (preferred).
Project or professional experience in state estimation, feedback control, robotics, antenna design, or actuation (preferred).
Experience with inertial navigation systems, GNSS, phased array antennas, or translational state estimation without GNSS (preferred).
Linux development experience and strong understanding of classical dynamics and modeling (preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible for Department of State authorization.

Save