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.

DATA SCIENTIST - GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION & CONTROLS (STARLINK)

At SpaceX, we are leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 3M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class data scientists and engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As a Data Scientist on the Starlink GNC Team, you will be responsible for developing the strategy, key metrics, tools, models, and processes for monitoring the health and safety of the 6,000+ satellites in orbit. This individual will extract valuable insights from flight data and work closely with technical and business teams to optimize the safety and efficiency of the Starlink constellation. As a data scientist servicing needs for the Starlink constellation, you will bring in the latest and greatest machine learning and statistical technologies to turn insights from telemetry into actionable insights and autonomous applications. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Combine statistical analysis, software, and telemetry to uncover new or breaking trends in the Starlink constellation
• Transform insights into action items for engineering teams, combining knowledge of the Starlink system with statistically-driven evidence
• Develop and implement monitoring systems and strategies to quickly detect trends and regressions as they arise
• Develop and validate models as predictors of constellation health and risk
• Guide the future rollout of thousands of next-generation Starlink satellites based on insights from the current constellation’s performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, statistics, or a STEM discipline and 1+ years of professional experience in data science (internship experience is applicable)
• Professional experience building solutions with Python and SQL
• Professional experience with statistical modeling and machine learning algorithms

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Professional experience in analytics, data science, or machine learning
• Experience building predictive models and machine learning pipelines (clustering analysis, anomaly detection, survival analysis, time series models)  
• Excellent data visualization skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with developing and deploying tools used for data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling
• Demonstrated capability to parse technical subjects on a deep level
• Demonstrated ability to jump into ill-defined problem spaces and drive positive outcomes  
• Self-starter attitude, energy, and the ability to communicate effectively across business and technical disciplines  
• Experience designing and utilizing relational database (SQL)
• Background in statistics or computational physics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

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, stock options, 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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.