GNC Engineer, Collision Avoidance (Starlink)

Redmond, WAfull timeOn Site

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entry

$125k–$165k

H1B: no

SpaceX GNC Engineer, Collision Avoidance at SpaceX designs and implements autonomous collision avoidance algorithms and ground services for the Starlink satellite constellation. The role involves full-stack ownership of the collision avoidance pipeline and performance monitoring.

Responsibilities

Design and implement autonomous on-satellite collision avoidance algorithms using C++.
Design and implement ground services necessary to facilitate fully automated maneuver scheduling decisions using C++ and Python.
Design and implement tools and dashboards for monitoring the performance of the autonomous collision avoidance system.
Design and implement orbit determination systems, including state/uncertainty propagation for accurate orbit prediction.
Run Monte Carlo analysis to characterize the performance of new features.
Bulk data analysis of telemetry from thousands of satellites and dozens of ground services to precisely characterize system performance and identify future improvements.
Write integrated test cases for satellite and ground software.
Write high-quality documentation for implemented software and tooling.
Monitor on-orbit system performance, troubleshooting if necessary.
Coordinate with third-party data providers and constellation operators.
Incorporate into the on-call rotation and command satellites when manual intervention is necessary

Qualification

Bachelor's degree in softwareMaster's degree in softwarePractical experience flying spacecraft

Required

Bachelor's degree in software, engineering, physics, or a related field.
Software development experience in either C++ or Python.

Preferred

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 some or all of the following areas: orbital mechanics, modeling and simulation, software development, statistics, and systems engineering.
Familiarity with state estimation and Kalman filtering, ideally with exposure to orbit determination applications.
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 assessing on-orbit risk.
Practical experience flying spacecraft.