SpaceX
GNC Engineer - Embedded Controls, AI Satellites (Starmind)
About this role
SpaceX is seeking an Embedded Controls Engineer for the Starmind satellite project to design and implement guidance, navigation, and control systems for space-based AI compute satellites. You'll develop closed-loop control algorithms for attitude management, electromechanical actuators, and propulsion systems, moving from analysis through flight software deployment and on-orbit operations.
What you'll do
- Design and implement electromechanical control systems including solar array actuators, antenna gimbals, and active optics
- Develop satellite attitude control and momentum management systems using dynamics and closed-loop control expertise
- Create fluid and power system controls for hall thrusters and propulsion
- Perform optimal state estimation for mechanical alignment and attitude determination
- Develop high-fidelity simulations in C++, Python, and MATLAB; implement and validate production flight software
- Support hardware specification, firmware integration, qualification testing, and fleet performance monitoring
What they're looking for
- C++ software development
- Closed-loop control systems design and analysis
- State space and frequency domain control methods
- Embedded systems firmware development
- State estimation and Kalman filtering
- Rigid body dynamics and orbital mechanics
- MATLAB and Python simulation
- Spacecraft flight software development and testing
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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
- Walk us through a closed-loop control system you designed—what were the performance requirements, trade-offs, and how did you validate stability and robustness?
- Describe your experience implementing control algorithms in embedded C++ for electromechanical systems. What challenges did you face with real-time constraints or hardware limitations?