GNC Engineer, Precise Navigation Solutions (Starlink)

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, PRECISE NAVIGATION SOLUTIONS (STARLINK)

High-precision navigation is vital for a wide range of applications, from autonomous vehicles and robotics to geospatial services and global connectivity, enabling accurate positioning, efficient operations, and enhanced safety across diverse environments. Leveraging data from the Starlink satellite and ground-station network, this role offers a unique opportunity to pioneer GNSS-based solutions to enhance positioning accuracy for navigation devices. SpaceX seeks exceptional candidates with expertise in navigation, GNSS signal processing, and orbit determination to develop and deploy a high-precision navigation system, optimizing performance for a variety of navigation applications.

This position provides an unparalleled chance to utilize real-time data from the world’s largest satellite operator, transitioning innovative algorithms from concept to operational deployment in record time. Successful candidates will tackle unique challenges in high-precision positioning for ground assets, directly contributing to reliable, scalable, and cutting-edge navigation solutions for a global user base.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a real-time navigation pipeline using advanced GNSS techniques, assimilating multi-constellation data to achieve high-precision positioning in diverse terrestrial environments

• Implement ground-based processing systems to generate precise corrections for GNSS satellite clocks and ephemerides, enhancing navigation accuracy for a variety of devices

• Formulate, implement, deploy, and operate high-precision navigation algorithms, integrating sensor fusion from GNSS and other terrestrial sensors

• Collaborate with GNC, mission operations, and ground systems teams to integrate precise navigation solutions into diverse navigation applications, supporting tasks like autonomous navigation and geolocation services

• Maintain operational navigation models to improve position, velocity, and timing estimates for diverse assets

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline

• Software development experience in either C++ or Python

• Experience with navigation, orbit determination, or GNSS processing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent disciplines with applications in precise navigation or GNSS-based positioning

• Strong understanding of GNSS observables (e.g., pseudorange, carrier phase), error modeling in terrestrial environments, and orbital mechanics for satellite ephemeris generation

• Experience implementing, testing, tuning, and operating advanced state-estimation filters for real-time state estimation in navigation applications

• Expertise in Precise Point Positioning (PPP), including ambiguity resolution, utilization of precise clock and orbit products, and ionospheric/tropospheric corrections for ground assets

• Proficiency in Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) techniques, including baseline processing, reference stations, and network RTK for high-accuracy differential positioning in terrestrial applications

• Familiarity with state-of-the-art navigation methods, such as PPP-RTK hybrids, multi-frequency/multi-constellation GNSS, and sensor fusion for tightly coupled solutions

• Experience with precise orbit determination, including the implementation of high-fidelity force models to support accurate satellite ephemeris generation

• Experience developing ground-based processing systems to generate real-time corrections for GNSS satellite clocks and ephemerides, leveraging data from ground stations or satellite constellations

• Proficiency in processing large volumes of GNSS data from ground receivers, and working with signal acquisition, tracking loops, and IQ samples

• Knowledge of GNSS hardware for ground assets, antenna modeling, and mitigation of environmental effects like multipath, interference, or atmospheric delays

• Proven ability to develop, debug, and deploy software for real-world GNSS applications, with proficiency in version control systems like git

• Ability to identify and solve complex problems with minimal supervision

• Passion for advancing navigation technologies and the commercial space industry

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
GNC Engineer/Level I: $122,500.00 - $145,000.00/per year
GNC Engineer/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 & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

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].