This role pays less than
66%
of similar roles. Most pay
$124,562–$222,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$138k
versus about
$173k
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.
GNC Engineer (Starfall) joins the Starfall guidance, navigation, and control team to develop high-performance algorithms for an entry capsule designed for logistics and in-space manufacturing applications. This role involves writing production code in C++ or Python to build reliable tools, services, and dashboards while participating in architecture and design reviews. Key responsibilities include designing entry vehicle trajectories, developing atmospheric entry, descent, and landing algorithms, and performing state estimation for reentry and recovery. The engineer will also conduct bulk data analysis of flight performance, manage attitude determination during orbital and deorbit phases, and coordinate multi-vehicle operations. Essential skills include expertise in orbital mechanics, control theory, and optimization. The role addresses technical challenges in hypersonic flight regimes, aeroheating considerations, and precision navigation for vehicles supporting military logistics and manufacturing missions.
Python
C++
6-DOF Dynamics
Orbital Mechanics
Control Systems
Modeling and Simulation
Monte Carlo Analysis
Aerodynamics
Algorithm Unit Testing
Systems Architecture
C++
Python
GNC
ADCS
Orbital Mechanics
Control Theory
State Estimation
6DOF Modeling
Monte Carlo Simulation
Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL)
Flight Software
Spacecraft Systems Design
Dynamics
Navigation
Propulsion
Avionics
C++
Python
Orbital Mechanics
Trajectory Optimization
Control Theory
Model Predictive Control
Convex Optimization
State-Space Methods
Numerical Propagation
Dynamics
Simulation
GNC
Physics
C++
Python
MATLAB
closed loop control systems
State Estimation
Kalman Filters
Embedded C++
Orbital Mechanics
Rigid Body Dynamics
Flight Software
Simulation
Firmware
Unit Testing
GNC
Spacecraft Operations
C++
Python
GNC
State Estimation
Optimization
Modeling and Simulation
Linux
RF
Flight Software
Spacecraft Systems Design
Algorithm Development
Technical Documentation
GNC
MATLAB
Simulink
Python
C++
Go
Linux
Orbital Mechanics
Control Theory
Computer Vision
Hardware-in-the-Loop
monte-carlo simulation
Spacecraft Dynamics
Flight Software