SpaceX
Internet
GNCEngineer,OrbitControl(Starlink)
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.
“GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (Starlink) at SpaceX. Skills: Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Orbit Control, C++, Python, Orbital Mechanics, Control Algorithms. Develop closed-loop trajectory control algorithms using a mix of discrete and continuous manipulation of thrust and drag for all mission phases, including orbit raise out of the insertion orbit, station-keeping at the operational altitude, and eventual deorbit for demise in the atmosphere. Identify and implement features to improve ”
What You'll Achieve.
ensure 10k+ satellites are exactly where they need to be in order to serve our customers and satisfy a wide range of mission constraints; make high speed internet available everywhere, all the time
Industry & Context.
Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills; Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
U. S. citizen or national, U. S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), Refugee under 8 U. S. C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U. S. C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U. S. Department of State.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor’s degree in applicable engineering discipline, physics, math, or computer science, fundamental understanding of dynamical systems, Software development experience in C++ and Python
Nice to Have
Master's degree or PhD in a field relevant to this position, Expertise in orbital mechanics, relative orbital dynamics, maneuver planning, and collision avoidance, Familiarity with state-space methods and classical control theory, Prior exposure to trajectory optimization, model predictive control, convex optimization, and mixed-integer programming, Knowledge of numerical propagation methods and their application to high-fidelity orbit propagation and uncertainty modelling, Familiarity with high-order gravity models and atmosphere models, Real world experience developing, debugging, and deploying software, Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills, Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models, Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction, Passion for advancing the commercial space industry, Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
What You'll Do.
Develop closed-loop trajectory control algorithms using a mix of discrete and continuous manipulation of thrust and drag for all mission phases
including orbit raise out of the insertion orbit
station-keeping at the operational altitude
and eventual deorbit for demise in the atmosphere
Identify and implement features to improve control performance
enhance prediction quality
increase solar storm resilience
and reduce network impact
Conduct simulation studies and on-orbit experiments to assess configuration and algorithm changes
Contribute to the development of new satellite generations by executing trade studies that inform hardware development and concept of operations
Support large-scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and feature development
Write high quality code in C++ and Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code that runs on the satellites and in the ground segment
Participate in architecture
Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor the fleet
Write clear and concise technical documentation of programs
Participate in the operation of the satellite fleet
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
Communication Scope
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Full Job Description
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 ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system serving millions of users all over the Earth. 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 engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe. As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer on Starlink’s orbit control team, you will develop the algorithms that plan thousands of orbital maneuvers every day to ensure 10k+ satellites are exactly where they need to be in order to serve our customers and satisfy a wide range of mission constraints. Come help us fly the world's largest constellation and make high speed internet available everywhere, all the time. RESPONSIBILITIES Develop closed-loop trajectory control algorithms using a mix of discrete and continuous manipulation of thrust and drag for all mission phases, including orbit raise out of the insertion orbit, station-keeping at the operational altitude, and eventual deorbit for demise in the atmosphere Identify and implement features to improve control performance, enhance prediction quality, increase solar storm resilience, and reduce network impact Conduct simulation studies and on-orbit experiments to assess configuration and algorithm changes Contribute to the development of new satellite generations by executing trade studies t
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