GNC Engineer, Precise Navigation Solutions (Starlink)

SpaceX • Redmond, WA

122d • $122,500 - $170,000

About The Position

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. The GNC Engineer, Precise Navigation Solutions (Starlink) role focuses on high-precision navigation, which is vital for a wide range of applications, from autonomous vehicles and robotics to geospatial services and global connectivity. This position offers a unique opportunity to pioneer GNSS-based solutions to enhance positioning accuracy for navigation devices, leveraging data from the Starlink satellite and ground-station network. 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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.

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.
• Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards.
• Potential discretionary bonuses.
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k)-retirement plan.
• Short & long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Various other discounts and perks.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• 5 days of sick leave per year for exempt employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree