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.

GNC SOFTWARE ENGINEER, OPERATIONS AUTOMATION

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

This team is responsible for enabling the efficient operations through automation of our satellites and their payloads, requiring multi-disciplinary understanding of complex space systems.  As an engineer on this team, you will bring a passion and expertise in areas like spacecraft system design, ground and flight software development, optimization, analytics, and satellite operations—including cradle to grave ownership of missions and their success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and implement highly reliable and performant algorithms, flight software, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python
• Work collaboratively to define scope, requirements, and concepts of operations for both flight and ground systems
• Act as a cross-disciplinary expert, ensuring that the satellite system can meet mission objectives
• Lead on-orbit space vehicle operations through all phases of flight and support relevant on-call rotations, commanding satellites, or reviewing data to keep our vehicles, payloads, and networks continuously operating at peak performance
• Drive improvements to the payload/bus interface design, automated fault detection and response, and alerting systems
• Write high-quality technical documentation of programs, services, algorithms, or analysis
• Support flight vehicle integration and test campaign efforts to vet and verify performance before launch

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline
• Software development experience in either C++ or Python

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in an engineering discipline, computer science, or physics
• Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software that has been used in real-world applications/projects
• Creative approach to problem-solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals
• General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft flight including; structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration. Practical experience in real-world development of these systems is highly desired
• Capable of identifying, solving, and automating complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
• Passion for advancing the government space industry
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Experience with Docker/Kubernetes and Linux-based operating systems
• Familiarity with data visualization techniques and web development (both front-end and back-end)
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, or ability to obtain one desired

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work long hours and occasional weekends when necessary to support critical operations
• An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:        Pay range:    Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year    Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year        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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.