GNC Engineer, Attitude Determination and Optical Navigation (Starlink)

SpaceX
Redmond
Full timeUSD 125,000 - 200,000 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["Problem-solving","Independent work","Communication"]

Maintain and upgrade Starlink spacecraft attitude determination systems and the Stargaze object detection pipeline. Analyze sensor performance to help design next-generation navigation and situational-awareness sensors. Apply computer vision and astrometric/photometric measurement techniques with sequential estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering) and sensor fusion to improve tracking and reliability for a large, operational satellite constellation.

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FursaFursa
SpaceX
SpaceX
2 days ago

GNC Engineer, Attitude Determination and Optical Navigation (Starlink)

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Last checked: 3 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Maintain and upgrade Starlink spacecraft attitude determination systems and the Stargaze object detection pipeline. Analyze sensor performance to help design next-generation navigation and situational-awareness sensors. Apply computer vision and astrometric/photometric measurement techniques with sequential estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering) and sensor fusion to improve tracking and reliability for a large, operational satellite constellation.
Location: Redmond
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering

Key Responsibilities

  • •Maintain, upgrade, and operate the attitude determination systems onboard Starlink satellites.
  • •Maintain, upgrade, and operate the object detection pipeline supporting the Stargaze space surveillance system.
  • •Analyze sensor performance and support the design of future navigation and situational awareness sensors.
  • •Develop, test, and deploy algorithms for real-world space applications.
  • •Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to advance spacecraft attitude estimation, sensor technology, and space domain awareness.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 125,000 - 200,000 annually
Equity and Bonus:Equity
Perks:Health InsuranceVisionDental401kPaid ParentalPaid Leave

Key Requirements

  • •Bachelor’s degree in computer science, aerospace, physics, or an engineering discipline.
  • •Software development experience in C++ and Python.
  • •Advanced degree in an engineering discipline, mathematics, or physics, with focus on attitude determination, rotational dynamics, or image processing.
  • •Real-world experience with star trackers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, sun sensors, and accelerometers, including ground testing and on-orbit operations.
  • •Proficiency in image processing for astrometric applications (e.g., background subtraction, spot finding, centroiding, frame stacking, star pattern identification).
Experience:SpaceSatellitesSatellite operationsComputer visionImage processingSensor fusionReal-time systems
Education:Bachelor's
Skills:Problem-solvingIndependent workCommunication
Languages:English
Tech Stack:C++PythonGitImage processingKalman filteringGPUsFPGAs

Company Brief

SpaceX
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers, aiming to reduce space transportation costs and enable human life on Mars through reusable launch vehicles and integrated space systems.
Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Growth: Established Company
Valuation: Hectocorn (USD 100B+)
Funding: Series E+
Headquarters: Hawthorne, United States
Founded: 2002
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