Sr. GNC Software Engineer (Falcon)

Sr. GNC Software Engineer (Falcon)

Hawthorne, CA

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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.

SR. GNC SOFTWARE ENGINEER (FALCON)

SpaceX is hiring a software engineer embedded in the Falcon Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team. Falcon GNC performs trajectory design and vehicle simulation and participates in recurring launch operations. This position will augment the team with additional software expertise for developing GNC-focused tools. SpaceX is the industry leader in launch cadence, and the tools will push the launch rate even higher by streamlining the analysis and operations of launch, entry and landing, and fairing recovery of every Falcon mission. Additionally, you will directly support missions by performing mission design, pre-flight GNC analysis, and sit on console during mission operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create analysis tools, applications, and execution pipelines that allow vehicles to be flown quickly, reliably, and robustly for the GNC team

• Design and lead the development of new software projects

• Review existing tools and processes and drive more efficient or more reliable approaches

• Participate in all phases of a mission, from feasibility analysis and research to concrete mission design and launch operations

• Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicle missions for all phases of flight, including ascent, entry, landing, and fairing recovery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or scientific discipline and 5+ years in a software engineering role

• 5+ years of experience with Python and Python based development frameworks

• 1+ years of experience in any of the following: orbital mechanics, flight dynamics, classical dynamics, modeling, robotics, or simulation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Professional or academic experience with physics and/or experience with software as it relates to the physical world

• Strong competency in software development practices including testing and continuous integration

• Professional experience in web applications development

• Experience working directly on engineering or scientific computing problems

• Educational or professional background in Guidance, Navigation, and Control

• Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems

• Professional experience with other programming languages such as C/C++ or JavaScript

• Experience with high performance computing systems or large scale data analysis systems

• Deep understanding of one or more modern persistency systems

• Focus on performance bottlenecks and performance improvement techniques

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

GNC Engineer /Senior: $160,000.00 - $220,000.00/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 and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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 ITARhere ( .

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