GNC Engineer, Phased Array Devices (Starshield)

• 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

• 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 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, * 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.

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.

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.