GNC Engineer (Starfall) Verified today

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-08-01

GNC Engineer (Starfall)

SpaceX seeks engineers to develop guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) algorithms for Starfall, an entry capsule designed for logistics and in-space manufacturing applications. You will work on orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, atmospheric entry, optimization, and software development.

Responsibilities

Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python. You will write production code, not prototypes.
Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.
Analyse bulk data to review performance from Starfall flights, simulations, and operations.
Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis.
Design entry vehicle trajectories, guidance, and optimization.
Develop atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL) algorithms.
Implement precision navigation and state estimation for reentry and recovery.
Design attitude determination and control for orbital, deorbit, and atmospheric flight phases.
Coordinate fleet-level or multi-vehicle operations for logistics delivery and recovery.
Simulate, analyse, and evaluate entry system performance across a wide range of conditions.
Integrate GNC with vehicle systems supporting military logistics and in-space manufacturing missions.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics, or an engineering discipline.
1+ years of software development experience in C++ or Python.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD in engineering or physics.
Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software in real-world applications.
Creative problem solving, strong analytical skills, and solid engineering fundamentals.
Experience with atmospheric entry guidance, navigation, and control for capsules or reentry vehicles.
Understanding of orbital mechanics, deorbit planning, and entry trajectory optimization.
Experience verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation and validating simulation models including atmospheric, aerodynamic, and thermal environments.
Experience with state estimation for reentry vehicles using IMU, GNSS, radar, optical, or other sensors.
Familiarity with hypersonic flight regimes, aeroheating, and precision landing and recovery techniques.
General familiarity with spacecraft and entry vehicle systems including structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration. Practical experience is highly desired.
Ability to identify and solve complex problems with minimal supervision.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements

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

Compensation

Pay range:

Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and stock purchase discounts. You will receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You will accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave accrues pursuant to Company policy.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.