ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Spacex Aerospace Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or an ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or an ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline * Software ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline * Software ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline * 1+ years ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline * Software ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline * Software ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpacex Aerospace Engineer Jobs

Spacex Aerospace Engineer information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do spacex aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacex aerospace 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 are some common challenges faced by a SpaceX aerospace engineer when working on rapid prototyping projects?

As a SpaceX Aerospace Engineer, you'll often encounter the challenge of balancing speed with precision during rapid prototyping. The fast-paced environment requires quick iteration and adaptability, which can mean tight deadlines and frequent design changes. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including manufacturing, software, and test engineers—is essential to troubleshoot issues and ensure prototypes meet performance and safety standards. Adjusting to shifting project priorities while maintaining high-quality engineering solutions is a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SpaceX aerospace engineer?

To thrive as a SpaceX Aerospace Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, advanced problem-solving skills, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB, and experience with systems such as propulsion or avionics are commonly required, along with security clearance in certain cases. Exceptional teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication skills are crucial for collaborating in fast-paced, interdisciplinary project environments. These abilities ensure innovative, reliable solutions that advance SpaceX’s mission-critical aerospace projects and drive success in a highly competitive industry.

Does SpaceX need aerospace engineers?

SpaceX employs aerospace engineers to design, develop, and test spacecraft and launch systems. These engineers typically have backgrounds in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, and skills in CAD, propulsion, and systems integration are essential for their roles.

What is the difference between Spacex Aerospace Engineer vs Spacex Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSpacex Aerospace EngineerSpacex Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering; relevant certificationsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and test aerospace systems, often in labs or on launch sitesDesign, develop, and test mechanical components, typically in labs or manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across aerospace projects, including spacecraft and launch vehiclesApplied in spacecraft, rocket components, and related mechanical systems

Both roles require strong engineering backgrounds and relevant certifications. Aerospace Engineers focus on spacecraft and flight systems, while Mechanical Engineers work on mechanical components and systems. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their specific focus areas within the aerospace industry.

What is a SpaceX aerospace engineer?

SpaceX Aerospace Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test spacecraft, rockets, and related systems for SpaceX's missions. They work on everything from propulsion and structural components to avionics and systems integration. Their responsibilities include solving complex engineering problems, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring the safety and reliability of spacecraft. These engineers play a crucial role in advancing space technology and supporting SpaceX's goal of making space travel more accessible.
More about Spacex Aerospace Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Spacex Aerospace Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Spacex Aerospace Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Spacex Aerospace Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Spacex Aerospace Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Spacex Aerospace Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Spacex Aerospace Engineer jobs are:
Spacex Aerospace Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spacex Aerospace Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

GNC Engineer, Orbit Determination/Stargaze (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 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 DETERMINATION/STARGAZE (STARLINK)
Reliable knowledge of object orbits and accurate predictions are paramount in today's orbital environment, as they are essential to preventing collisions, ensuring mission success, and protecting critical space infrastructure. As the number of satellites and debris proliferates, advanced orbit determination capabilities enable proactive risk mitigation, fostering a sustainable space domain for exploration, communication, and scientific advancement. SpaceX is seeking talented engineers with expertise in orbit determination and object tracking to enhance our space surveillance efforts, leveraging optical or radar observations to maintain a precise catalog of space objects and support collision avoidance.
This role directly contributes to the safety of the Starlink constellation, which is revolutionizing global connectivity by delivering high-speed internet to underserved regions, bridging digital divides, and enabling transformative applications in education, healthcare, and disaster response worldwide. Join us to tackle the challenges of space traffic management and drive innovations that make space safer and more accessible for humanity.
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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or other STEM discipline
  • Experience in software development using Python or C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
GNC Engineer, Orbital Determination/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
GNC Engineer, Orbital Determination/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

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

SpaceX logo

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

View All SpaceX Jobs

Apply