SpaceX
GNC Engineer, Attitude Determination and Optical Navigation (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX is hiring a GNC Engineer to maintain and upgrade attitude determination systems on Starlink satellites, develop object tracking algorithms for space surveillance, and support sensor innovation. This role combines spacecraft attitude estimation, image processing, and sensor fusion to enhance the reliability of the world's largest satellite constellation.
What you'll do
- Maintain, upgrade, and operate attitude determination systems onboard Starlink satellites
- Maintain and upgrade the object detection pipeline for the Stargaze space surveillance system
- Analyze sensor performance and support design of future navigation and situational awareness sensors
- Develop and deploy algorithms for real-world space applications
- Implement sensor fusion and failure detection in operational environments
- Support ground testing and on-orbit operations of navigation sensors
What they're looking for
- C++ and Python software development
- Kalman filtering and sequential estimation techniques
- Image processing for astrometry (centroiding, star pattern identification, frame stacking)
- Star trackers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and sun sensors
- Optical sensor development and vision-based navigation
- GPU/FPGA acceleration for real-time processing
- Git version control and algorithm testing
- Spacecraft attitude dynamics and rotational motion
Benefits
- Stock options and long-term cash awards
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
- 3 weeks paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays annually
- Paid parental leave and disability insurance
- Company shuttles from Seattle to Redmond office
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Describe your experience with star trackers or other attitude determination sensors—what challenges have you faced in ground testing or on-orbit operations?
- Walk us through how you would approach debugging a Kalman filter that's producing unrealistic covariance estimates in a real-time spacecraft system.