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Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GNC Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to ...

GNC ENGINEER, ADCS (STARLINK) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, physics, and software ...

GNC Engineer (Starlink)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$155K - $185K/yr

GNC ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Irvine, CA · Remote

$150K - $213K/yr

As a GNC Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, development, and implementation of ... Experience with low thrust trajectories and spacecraft with propulsion systems * Knowledge of ...

GNC ENGINEER, ADCS (STARLINK) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, physics, and software ...

GNC ENGINEER, ADCS (STARLINK) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, physics, and software ...

GNC ENGINEER, ATTITUDE DETERMINATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX ... As an engineer on this team, you will bring a passion and expertise in areas like spacecraft ...

GNC Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$124K - $189K/yr

About the Role Muon seeks a talented Spacecraft Attitude Control System (ACS) AKA Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer specializing in attitude control design to join our team. The ideal ...

GNC ENGINEER, ATTITUDE DETERMINATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX ... As an engineer on this team, you will bring a passion and expertise in areas like spacecraft ...

GNC ENGINEER, ATTITUDE DETERMINATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX ... As an engineer on this team, you will bring a passion and expertise in areas like spacecraft ...

As a GNC Engineer - Level 2 located in Chandler, AZ, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount ... spacecraft, missiles, and launch vehicles. Your work will involve applying mathematical models ...

As a GNC Engineer - Level 2 located in Chandler, AZ, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount ... spacecraft, missiles, and launch vehicles. Your work will involve applying mathematical models ...

GNC Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Own the GNC stack end to end: modeling, simulation, control law design, estimation, tuning ... spacecraft, or similarly complex dynamic systems * Strong fundamentals in dynamics, controls ...

GNC Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Own the GNC stack end to end: modeling, simulation, control law design, estimation, tuning ... spacecraft, or similarly complex dynamic systems * Strong fundamentals in dynamics, controls ...

Own the GNC stack end to end: modeling, simulation, control law design, estimation, tuning ... spacecraft, or similarly complex dynamic systems * Strong fundamentals in dynamics, controls ...

Our GNC engineers own their algorithms all the way into flight software, working alongside software ... A day in the life This role spans a diverse set of problems across the spacecraft and network ...

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Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do entry level spacecraft gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level spacecraft gnc engineer in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer vs Entry Level Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Spacecraft Gnc EngineerEntry Level Satellite Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; basic knowledge of control systemsBachelor's in Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering; understanding of satellite subsystems
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation environments, spacecraft testing facilitiesSatellite manufacturing facilities, testing labs, integration sites
Employer & Industry UsageSpace agencies, aerospace companies, defense contractorsSatellite manufacturers, telecommunications firms, aerospace industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineers focus on navigation, guidance, and control systems for spacecraft, while Entry Level Satellite Systems Engineers work on the overall satellite subsystems. Both roles require engineering degrees and work in aerospace environments, but Gnc Engineers specialize in spacecraft control algorithms, whereas Satellite Systems Engineers handle broader satellite functionalities.

More about Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Spacecraft Gnc Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
GNC Engineer (Starlink)

GNC Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

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.
GNC ENGINEER (STARLINK)
SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and software development to join the Starlink guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team. Come help us write the autopilot algorithms for thousands of satellites (the world's largest constellation!) and more than two million user terminals, enabling access to high-speed broadband internet in all corners of the world.
There are several sub-teams within Starlink GNC with different focus areas. Applicants will interview for specific teams based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific team responsibilities might include:
  • Constellation design and optimization
  • Fleet management and satellite orbit transfer automation, including all supporting software infrastructure
  • Constellation-level and network-level analysis of both existing and proposed satellite systems
  • Satellite collision avoidance
  • Satellite attitude determination and control
  • Satellite orbit control, such as low thrust trajectory optimization and station-keeping
  • Precision state estimation and control of various network payloads (RF antennas, laser inter-satellite links)

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop highly reliable and performant GNC algorithms, simulations, tools, services, and dashboards using C++ or Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code, not just prototypes for transcription by another team
  • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
  • Bulk data analysis to review performance data from various elements of the Starlink constellation and network
  • Write high quality technical documentation of programs, algorithms, or analysis
  • Support your relevant on-call operations rotation, commanding satellites or reviewing network data to keep our network continuously operating at peak performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline
  • Software development experience in either C++ or Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Some preferred skills and experience depend on the specific team within Starlink GNC.
  • Master's degree or PHD in an engineering discipline or physics
  • Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals
  • Cradle to grave development of three axis stabilized spacecraft incorporating momentum, magnetic, and propulsive control
  • Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, including low thrust trajectory optimization and stationkeeping
  • Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
  • Experience with state estimation, particularly attitude determination, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation
  • Familiarity with numerical probability of collision methods such as Alfano, Foster, and Hall
  • General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft flight including; structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, launch and mission operations, and integration. Practical experience in real world development of these systems is highly desired
  • Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
GNC Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
GNC Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/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 in Washington State accrue 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.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

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

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