SpaceX · 15 hours ago
GNC Engineer, Orbit Determination (Starlink)
Redmond, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$122K/yr - $145K/yrSpaceX 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. The GNC Engineer, Orbit Determination role involves enhancing space surveillance efforts and ensuring the safety of the Starlink constellation through advanced orbit determination capabilities.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Maintain, update, and operate orbit determination tools and pipelines to support collision avoidance and space safety operations
Develop and refine image processing algorithms for object detection and data association to enhance system performance
Operate surveillance systems and collaborate closely with collision avoidance and mission operations teams to support real-time decision-making
Improve overall system performance by updating orbit determination, image processing, and prediction algorithms for higher accuracy and reliability
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other STEM discipline
Experience in software development using Python or C++
Preferred
Advanced degree in aerospace engineering or a related field with a focus on orbit determination or space situational awareness
Expertise in sequential estimation techniques, including Kalman filtering, residual editing, filter tuning, covariance analysis, consider parameters, adaptive processes, and covariance realism
Strong background in orbital modeling and propagation, including high-fidelity orbit propagation, perturbations in low-Earth orbit, drag modeling, density models, and space weather parameters
Hands-on experience with sensors, telescopes, astrometry, photometry, and image reduction for optical observations
Proficiency in measurement and sensor handling, including measurement processing, measurement modeling, debiasing, sensor calibration, image processing, optical observations, and radar measurements
Experience with orbit determination methods, such as angles-only orbit determination and initial orbit determination
Proficiency in data analysis techniques, including statistical tests (e.g., chi-squared, Kolmogorov-Smirnov) and data correlation methods
Familiarity with space traffic management and situational awareness, including conjunction data messages (CDMs) and two-line element (TLE) sets
Proven ability to develop, test, and deploy algorithms for real-world space applications, with proficiency in version control systems like Git
Ability to solve complex problems independently in a fast-paced, innovative environment
Passion for space safety, satellite operations, and advancing the commercial space industry
Excellent communication skills for collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
Benefits
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 and 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
Paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law
Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
Founded in 2002
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Recent News
Oman Observer
2026-01-25
legacy.thefly.com
2026-01-23
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