GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices; Starshield

Position: GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices (Starshield)
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

GNC ENGINEER, PHASED ARRAY DEVICES (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As an engineer on this team, you will bring a passion and expertise in areas like control theory, state estimation, orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starshield GNC team.

This role is specifically dedicated toward GNC algorithm design and development for Starshield user terminals, which directly connect users on the ground to the space-based Starshield network. The software you write will be deployed directly to production systems that are in the hands of the end-users of the various unique Starshield capabilities; as such, this role is high impact and crucial to providing continuous improvement to the utility and quality of Starshield's products and mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design and analysis of GNC logic for Starshield phased array antennas

Real-time angular and translational navigation using onboard sensors and optimal state estimation techniques

Design of beam-steering logic to track and hand-off satellites while maximizing link integrity in challenging operational environments

Development of GNSS independent PNT (position, navigation, and timing) algorithms

Design and implementation of all of the above for high-velocity/high-maneuverability platforms Provide engineering and data review support for hardware development, special projects, and customer support triage

Work with hardware engineers on the design and specification of future user terminal products and their navigation sensor packages

Model derivation and high fidelity simulation for development and validation of prototype features

Implementation, validation, unit testing, and deployment of production software (C++) pertinent to the systems described above

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

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 algorithmsPREFERRED

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline

Demonstrated project or professional experience in state estimation, feedback control, robotics, antenna design and actuation, or similar

Direct experience with inertial navigation systems, GNSS, and phased array antenna systems

Experience with translational state estimation in the absence of GNSS ranging and timing information

Experience with loosely/tightly coupled state estimation

Linux development experience

Strong understanding of classical dynamics, modeling and simulation, and software development

Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction

Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical path development and/or critical on-orbit operations

An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 1: $ - $Level 2: $ - $Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental…