GNC Engineer, Collision Avoidance (Starlink)
SpaceX · Redmond, WA
About this role
**GNC Engineer, Collision Avoidance (Starlink)** SpaceX is looking for engineers with a hybrid background in **GNC (guidance, navigation, and control)** and **software development** to join the **Starlink Collision Avoidance** team. Starlink operates the world’s largest satellite constellation—nearly half of the world’s active satellites. Unlike legacy operations that rely heavily on human-in-the-loop procedures, Starlink is designed for autonomy: **“algorithms, not operators.”** This team owns the automated collision avoidance pipeline end-to-end, including satellite-side algorithms, ground-side supporting services, and infrastructure to monitor performance in orbit. You’ll also help design and implement algorithms for **high-accuracy future state predictions** to inform collision avoidance actions, and analyze production data/simulations to validate features and guide future development. --- **Responsibilities** - Design and implement autonomous **on-satellite collision avoidance** algorithms using **C++** - Design and implement **ground services** to support fully automated maneuver scheduling decisions using **C++ and Python** - Build **tools and dashboards** for monitoring collision avoidance system performance - Design and implement **orbit determination** systems, including **state/uncertainty propagation** for accurate orbit prediction - Run **Monte Carlo** analysis to characterize performance of new features - Perform **bulk telemetry data analysis** across thousands of satellites and dozens of ground services - Write integrated **test cases** for satellite and ground software - Write high-quality **documentation** for implemented software and tooling - Monitor **on-orbit system performance** and troubleshoot as needed - Coordinate with **third-party data providers** and constellation operators - Participate in **on-call rotation** and command satellites when manual intervention is necessary --- **Basic Qualifications** - Bachelor’s degree in software, engineering, physics, or a related field - Software development experience in **C++ or Python** --- **Preferred Skills and Experience** - Master’s degree in software, engineering, physics, or a related field - 2+ years of experience in a space mission design or related role - Strong understanding of one or more of: **orbital mechanics**, modeling & simulation, software development, statistics, systems engineering - Familiarity with **state estimation** and **Kalman filtering** (ideally orbit determination) - Familiarity with the physics of the **orbital debris** and **micrometeorite** environment - Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as **Alfano, Foster, and Hall** - Familiarity with micrometeoroid and orbital debris analysis techniques for on-orbit risk assessment - Practical experience flying spacecraft - Ability to identify and solve complex problems with little supervision - Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven environment - Examples of high-quality writing or software documentation --- **Additional Requirements** - Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed --- **Compensation and Benefits** - **Pay Range:** - Level 1: **$125,000.00 – $165,000.00** - Level 2: **$145,000.00 – $200,000.00** - Base salary is determined case-by-case based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience. - Additional rewards may include long-term incentives (stock/long-term cash awards), potential discretionary bonuses, a
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