GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices

SpaceX

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $125,000–$160,000 / yr
Posted: 11 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live 2 days ago
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $184k

This role $142k

$114k most similar roles pay here $226k

This role pays less than 83% of similar roles. Most pay $152,000–$215,075 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $142k versus about $184k 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 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices

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GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices (Starshield) joins the Starshield GNC team to develop algorithms for user terminals connecting ground users to a space-based network. This role focuses on designing and analyzing GNC logic for phased array antennas, including real-time angular and translational navigation using onboard sensors and optimal state estimation. The engineer will build beam-steering logic to track satellites while maintaining link integrity in challenging environments and develop GNSS-independent PNT algorithms for high-velocity platforms. Key responsibilities include modeling derivation, high-fidelity simulation, and the implementation of production software. Candidates should possess expertise in control theory, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft systems design. Required technical skills include proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink, along with experience in attitude determination or state estimation algorithms. The work addresses critical communication and earth observation challenges within a specialized government-focused satellite network infrastructure.

Skills

C++ Python MATLAB Simulink Linux Control Theory State Estimation Orbital Mechanics Phased Array Antennas GNSS PNT Modeling and Simulation Unit Testing Robotics Antenna Design Spacecraft Systems Design

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.
Create beam-steering logic to track satellites while maintaining link integrity in challenging environments.
Develop GNSS-independent position, navigation, and timing (PNT) algorithms.
Design GNC systems for high-velocity and high-maneuverability platforms.
Provide engineering data review for hardware development and customer support triage.
Collaborate with hardware engineers to specify future user terminal products and sensor packages.
Develop, test, and deploy production C++ software for Starshield navigation systems.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, software engineering, or another engineering discipline.
Experience with attitude determination and state estimation algorithms.
Software development experience in C++, Python, and/or MATLAB/Simulink.
Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline.
Experience with inertial navigation systems, GNSS, and phased array antenna systems.
Experience with translational state estimation without GNSS ranging and timing information.
Linux development experience and a strong understanding of classical dynamics and modeling.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.

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