SpaceX
GNC Engineer, Starlink Controls (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a control systems engineer to design and implement guidance, navigation, and control systems for Starlink satellites. You will develop closed-loop control algorithms for attitude management, electromechanical actuators, and propulsion systems, then deploy and operate them on the world's largest satellite constellation.
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
- Engineer fluid and power system controls for hall thrusters
- Perform optimal state estimation for mechanical alignment and attitude determination
- Specify hardware performance requirements and support firmware bringup, qualification, and fleet monitoring
- Build high-fidelity simulations in C++, Python, and MATLAB; implement and validate production flight code
What they're looking for
- C++ software development
- Closed-loop control system design and analysis
- Linear controls (state space and frequency domain methods)
- State estimation and Kalman filtering
- Embedded systems firmware
- Rigid body dynamics and orbital mechanics
- MATLAB and Python simulation
- Spacecraft operations and flight software deployment
Benefits
- Health insurance (medical, vision, dental coverage)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match eligibility
- Paid parental leave
- 3+ weeks paid vacation annually
- Stock options and ESPP discount program
- Short and long-term disability and life insurance
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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 key trade-offs between stability, response time, and robustness?
- Describe your experience implementing embedded C++ firmware for electromechanical systems in a production environment.