GNC Engineer, Starlink Controls; Starlink

Overview

Redmond, WA

Space

X was founded with the goal of enabling human life on Mars. Space

X is developing Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system, designed to provide fast, reliable internet to users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that brings it together. We’re seeking best-in-class engineers to maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses globally.

As a control systems engineer on the Starlink Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team, you will apply expertise in dynamics and closed-loop controls to achieve robust and precise pointing on satellites, payloads, propulsion systems, and mechanisms. This role involves vehicle design trades, simulation, flight code implementation, and deploying and operating features in space.

Come help us fly the world’s largest constellation and make high-speed internet available everywhere, all the time.

• Design, analysis, and implementation of electromechanical control systems such as solar array actuators, antenna gimbals, and high bandwidth active optics.
• Design, analysis, and implementation of satellite attitude control and momentum management systems.
• Design, analysis, and implementation of fluid and power system controls for the Starlink hall thrusters.
• Optimal state estimation as applied to mechanical alignment and attitude determination.
• Hardware performance specification and sizing, support for hardware iteration and firmware bringup, design qualification, automated production screening, and fleet performance monitoring.
• Development and maintenance of high fidelity simulations using C++, Python, and MATLAB, and integration of those simulations into collaborative analysis tools.
• Implementation, validation, unit testing, and deployment of production software (C++) related to the systems described above.
• Provide engineering and data review support for hardware development and network-level performance monitoring.

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline.
• Software development experience in C++.
• Experience with design and analysis of closed-loop control systems.

• Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline.
• Expertise in linear closed-loop controls analysis and design, including state-space and frequency-domain methods.
• Experience with flexible body dynamics and reduced finite element models in closed-loop control contexts.
• Strong embedded C++ expertise, ideally in electromechanical control systems firmware.
• Strong understanding of classical rigid body dynamics and orbital mechanics.
• Direct experience with spacecraft operations, flight software development, testing, and deployment.
• Ability to identify and solve complex problems in a self-directed manner.
• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomous start-up environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (ITAR). Learn more about ITAR here.

Pay range:

• GNC Engineer / Level I: $122,500 – $145,000 per year
• GNC Engineer / Level II: $140,000 – $170,000 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience.

Base salary is part of a total rewards package that may include stock incentives, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also have access to medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, vacation and holidays, and paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.

Space

X offers shuttles from selected Seattle locations to the Redmond office Monday through Friday.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact