RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and implementation of satellite GNC software that can facilitate all mission concepts of operations across all phases of flight, including off-nominal/contingency scenarios
Design of concepts of operations (CONOPs) that intelligently balance thermal constraints, power budgets, momentum management, satellite-to-ground and satellite-to-satellite contact, and payload-pointing needs
Design, development, and flight software implementation of onboard GNC algorithms to achieve a high level of vehicle autonomy and fault tolerance while providing adequate navigation and control performance
Update and maintain GNC software configurations for a variety of minor satellite design revisions and mission sets
High fidelity time domain 6DOF modeling and simulation of satellite dynamics, sensors, actuators, algorithms, and all of their interactions
Monte Carlo simulation analysis to validate safe and reliable flight and quantify navigation and control performance
Heavy involvement in integrated hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing efforts, including but not limited to test case design, data review automation, and modeling fidelity improvements
Navigation filtering and control systems design and optimization
Spacecraft design activities related to ADCS sensor and actuator hardware sizing and layout
Develop, validate, and improve upon complex sensor, actuator, and dynamics models for use in 6DOF simulation analysis
Maintain a robust and tight interface with other disciplines and subsystems (e.g. thermal, power, communications) to ensure a good and consistent system-level design
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 algorithms
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or an engineering discipline
Basic familiarity with the GNC discipline and associated technical fundamentals
Extremely strong technical fundamentals in the areas of spacecraft attitude and orbit dynamics, navigation filtering and/or control systems design
Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with a high degree of autonomy
Willingness to take on a large scope of ownership over complex problems and solve them in a multi-disciplinary fashion, striving for system and mission-level optimality
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic engineering environment, with a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement
Demonstrated experience owning, designing, testing, and flying real-world GNC engineering solutions, preferably on space vehicles
Experience with on-orbit space vehicle operations, commanding, debugging, and use of flight telemetry to track performance metrics and validate simulation models
Familiarity with orbit navigation filtering using GNSS measurements and attitude navigation using star trackers/rate gyros
Strong understanding of unit testing, regression testing, and CI/CD within a complex software development environment
Familiarity with GNC algorithm unit testing and implementation in flight software
Experience with Git, Linux, Confluence, and Jira
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 test
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pay Range
- Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00
- Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00
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 at SpaceX. You 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 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
