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Orbit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GNC ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system serving ...

Title: Intermediate Orbit Analyst Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

GNC ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system serving ...

We're looking for a GNC Orbit Controls Engineer to design and implement the algorithms and onboard software that handle orbit determination, guidance, maneuver execution, and post-maneuver analysis ...

Office Manager

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$22 - $40/hr

Orbit Fab Office Manager Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space. Today, satellites ...

Junior Orbit Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$101K - $124K/yr

Title: Junior Orbit Analyst Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

Showing results 21-40

Orbit information

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$25K

$106.2K

$223K

How much do orbit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for orbit in the United States is $106,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are orbit jobs?

Orbit jobs refer to positions within companies or organizations that are focused on managing, developing, or supporting satellite operations, space missions, or technologies related to Earth's orbit. These roles can include satellite engineers, mission controllers, aerospace technicians, and analysts who monitor and maintain satellites or plan space missions. Orbit jobs are critical to industries such as telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, and space exploration, requiring specialized knowledge in aerospace engineering, physics, and data analysis. Professionals in these positions often work for agencies like NASA, private space companies, or satellite service providers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an orbital engineer?

To thrive as an Orbital Engineer, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with orbital mechanics software (like GMAT or STK), CAD tools, and possibly certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills are highly valued in this role. These abilities are essential for designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and success of satellite and spacecraft missions.

What are some common challenges faced by orbit product managers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Orbit product managers often work closely with engineering, design, and marketing teams to bring products to market. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment of priorities among team members with different expertise and perspectives. Balancing stakeholder expectations while keeping projects on schedule requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Regular meetings, transparent documentation, and fostering a collaborative environment are crucial for overcoming these challenges and driving successful product outcomes.

What is the difference between Orbit vs Satellite Technician?

AspectOrbitSatellite Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in satellite or communication technologyAssociate degree or technical certification in satellite systems or electronics
Work EnvironmentFieldwork installing, maintaining, and repairing satellite systemsFieldwork and sometimes lab work focusing on satellite equipment
Industry UsageTelecommunications, satellite service providersSatellite service providers, electronics repair shops
Common Search/ComparisonOrbit vs Satellite Technician

Both Orbit and Satellite Technician roles involve working with satellite systems, requiring similar certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in the job focus: Orbit technicians often work on satellite deployment and orbit management, while Satellite Technicians focus on installation and repair of satellite equipment. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right role in the satellite and telecommunications industry.

More about Orbit jobs

What cities are hiring for Orbit jobs?

Cities with the most Orbit job openings:

What states have the most Orbit jobs?

States with the most job openings for Orbit jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Orbit jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Orbit jobs are:

Infographic showing various Orbit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,208 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 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, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system serving millions of users all over the Earth. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer on Starlink's orbit control team, you will develop the algorithms that plan thousands of orbital maneuvers every day to ensure 10k+ satellites are exactly where they need to be in order to serve our customers and satisfy a wide range of mission constraints.
Come help us fly the world's largest constellation and make high speed internet available everywhere, all the time.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop closed-loop trajectory control algorithms using a mix of discrete and continuous manipulation of thrust and drag for all mission phases, including orbit raise out of the insertion orbit, station-keeping at the operational altitude, and eventual deorbit for demise in the atmosphere
  • Identify and implement features to improve control performance, enhance prediction quality, increase solar storm resilience, and reduce network impact
  • Conduct simulation studies and on-orbit experiments to assess configuration and algorithm changes
  • Contribute to the development of new satellite generations by executing trade studies that inform hardware development and concept of operations
  • Support large-scale constellation maneuvers such as shell lowering and respacing via analysis and feature development
  • Write high quality code in C++ and Python; Starlink GNC Engineers write actual production code that runs on the satellites and in the ground segment
  • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews
  • Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor the fleet
  • Write clear and concise technical documentation of programs, algorithms, and analyses
  • Participate in the operation of the satellite fleet

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in applicable engineering discipline, physics, math, or computer science
  • Strong fundamental understanding of dynamical systems
  • Software development experience in C++ and Python

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master's degree or PhD in a field relevant to this position
  • Expertise in orbital mechanics, relative orbital dynamics, maneuver planning, and collision avoidance
  • Familiarity with state-space methods and classical control theory
  • Prior exposure to trajectory optimization, model predictive control, convex optimization, and mixed-integer programming
  • Knowledge of numerical propagation methods and their application to high-fidelity orbit propagation and uncertainty modelling
  • Familiarity with high-order gravity models and atmosphere models
  • Real world experience developing, debugging, and deploying software
  • Creative approach to problem solving and exceptional analytical skills
  • Experience in verifying GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation of the simulation's models
  • 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

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:
  • 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 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US