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 (TOP SECRET CLEARANCE)

As a guidance, navigation and control mission design engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing guidance and control algorithms that enable multiple spacecraft to cooperate to achieve shared mission objectives. You will also design and implement physics-based system-of-systems simulation software, capable of capturing complex interactions between a wide variety of space vehicles, ground systems, and environments. You will design CONOPS and drive program-level requirements for large multi-vehicle missions. This is a high impact role in which you will work across engineering groups, taking extreme ownership of critical trades and design decisions. We are looking for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, can work effectively in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about advancing the space industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop highly reliable and performance GNC algorithms, flight software, simulations, tools, and services
  • Develop algorithms for planning and optimizing spacecraft maneuvers and attitude behaviors
  • Develop algorithms for the management of multiple spacecraft cooperating to achieve a shared mission objective
  • Build software tools and construct scenarios to perform system-of-system performance analysis of architectures that include satellites, sensors, communications, and ground infrastructure. Conduct analysis and recommend designs that balance competing requirements
  • Develop statistical orbit determination algorithms that consume measurements from multiple sensors of various phonmenologies including optical, IR, and RF
  • Create a library of system models of space and ground systems, for inclusion in the simulation environment
  • Act as cross-disciplinary expert, ensuring that the system can meet mission objectives
  • Communicate technical capabilities and analyses with internal stakeholders and external customers
  • Play an integral part of a small team that will continuously iterate on mission design through all phases of the program

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics
  • 1+ years of professional experience with modeling and simulation
  • Professional experience with software languages Python or C++
  • Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Demonstrated experience with high fidelity 6DoF simulations
  • Demonstrated experience with writing scalable software in a team setting
  • Strong software design and development skills
  • Professional programming experience in modern C++ (C++14 and above)
  • Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Demonstrated experience in developing state estimation algorithms
  • Demonstrated experience in RF communication
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and presenting compelling analyses of complex trades
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
  • Demonstrated experience in debugging, performance optimization, and test automation
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI. Note that 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
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:          

GNC Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year 

GNC Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year       

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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, 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 coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. 

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

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