SpaceX
GNC Engineer (Starfall)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a GNC Engineer to develop guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for Starfall, an entry capsule for logistics and in-space manufacturing. You will write production-grade C++ or Python code for atmospheric entry, descent, landing, and multi-vehicle coordination systems.
What you'll do
- Develop production GNC algorithms, simulations, and tools in C++ or Python
- Design entry vehicle trajectories, guidance laws, and optimization strategies
- Create atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL) algorithms with state estimation
- Perform bulk data analysis on flight, simulation, and operational performance
- Conduct attitude determination and control during all flight phases
- Integrate GNC with vehicle systems and support multi-vehicle logistics operations
What they're looking for
- C++ or Python software development
- Orbital mechanics and deorbit planning
- Control theory and state estimation
- Atmospheric entry and hypersonic flight dynamics
- Trajectory optimization and guidance design
- Simulation and verification of GNC algorithms
- Technical documentation and code review
- Problem-solving with minimal supervision
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching potential
- 3 weeks paid vacation plus 10+ paid holidays annually
- Company stock options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Short and long-term disability and life insurance
- Paid parental leave
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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 your experience developing and deploying production software; what was your role and how did you ensure reliability?
- Describe a complex GNC or control systems problem you've solved—what approach did you take and what were the results?