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.
NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, GNC - '26/'27 (STARLINK)
SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starlink guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Come help us write the autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites (the world's largest constellation!) and more than two million user terminals, enabling access to high-speed broadband internet in all corners of the world.
There are several sub-teams within Starlink GNC with different focus areas. Applicants will interview for specific teams based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific team responsibilities might include:
- Constellation design and optimization
- Fleet management and satellite orbit transfer automation, including all supporting software infrastructure
- Constellation-level and network-level analysis of both existing and proposed satellite systems
- Satellite collision avoidance
- Satellite attitude determination and control
- Satellite orbit control, such as low thrust trajectory optimization and station-keeping
- Precision state estimation and control of various network payloads (RF antennas, laser inter-satellite links)
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code, not just prototypes for transcription by another team
- Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
- Bulk data analysis to review performance data from various elements of the Starlink constellation and network
- Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
- Support your relevant on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites or reviewing network data to keep our network continuously operating at peak performance
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline
- Software development experience in either C++ or Python
- Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within Starlink GNC.
- Master's degree or PHD in an engineering discipline or physics
- Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects
- Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals
- Cradle to grave development of three axis stabilized spacecraft incorporating momentum, magnetic, and propulsive control
- Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping
- Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
- Experience with state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation
- Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and Hall
- 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 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
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
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 [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics, or an engineering discipline
- Software development experience in C++ or Python
- Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- ITAR eligibility: U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, Asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
- Participate in on-call operations rotation supporting satellite commanding and network operations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Master's degree or PhD in an engineering discipline or physics
- Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software used in real-world applications/projects
- Experience with three-axis stabilized spacecraft (momentum, magnetic, propulsive control)
- Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, low-thrust trajectory optimization, and stationkeeping
- Experience verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation and validating simulation models
- Experience with state estimation: attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, radio navigation
- Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods (Alfano, Foster, Hall)
- Practical familiarity with spacecraft disciplines: structures, propulsion, avionics, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, integration
SpaceX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SpaceX and has not been reviewed or approved by SpaceX.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants are a core part of total compensation, with periodic company-run tender offers that create liquidity before any public listing. These mechanisms can make the equity component feel materially valuable in practice.
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Healthcare Strength — The package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with on-site clinics and health resources at major sites. This breadth of coverage is presented as a strong element of the offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Major locations feature on-site amenities such as fitness facilities, food/coffee, clinics, and other conveniences. These lifestyle perks enhance day-to-day value alongside cash and equity.
SpaceX Insights
What We Do
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.
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