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Spacex Aerospace Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 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 ...

GNC Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER (STARFALL) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline * 1+ years ...

GNC ENGINEER, ATTITUDE DETERMINATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX ... Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science/software engineering, or an ...

GNC Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$125 - $175/hr

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 ...

GNC Engineer, ADCS (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

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

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Spacex Aerospace Engineer information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do spacex aerospace engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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:
Infographic showing various Spacex Aerospace Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% 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, ADCS (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th 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, ADCS (STARLINK)
SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, physics, 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.
As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer on Starlink's attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) team, you will be responsible for the software automation, operations, and system level design which keeps the satellites and their payloads properly oriented for the entire mission lifetime.
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
  • Design and implementation of GNC software that can facilitate all mission concepts of operations across all phases of mission, including off-nominal/contingency scenarios
  • Design of concepts of operations (CONOPs) that intelligently balance thermal constraints, power budgets, momentum management, communications, and payload-pointing needs
  • Design, development, and flight software implementation of onboard GNC algorithms to achieve a high level of vehicle autonomy and fault tolerance while providing adequate translational and rotational navigation and control performance
  • Update and maintain GNC software configurations for a variety of minor vehicle design revisions and mission sets
  • High fidelity time domain 6DOF modeling and simulation of vehicle dynamics, sensors, actuators, algorithms, and all of their interactions
  • Monte Carlo simulation analysis to validate safe and reliable flight and quantify navigation and control performance
  • Heavy involvement in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing efforts, including but not limited to test case design, data review automation, and modeling fidelity improvements
  • Translational and Rotational state estimation and control systems design and optimization
  • Vehicle design activities related to ADCS sensor and actuator hardware sizing and layout
  • Develop, validate, and improve upon complex sensor, actuator, and dynamics models for use in 6DOF simulation analysis
  • Maintain tight interfaces with other disciplines and subsystems (e.g. thermal, power, communications) to ensure a good and consistent system-level design
  • 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
  • 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

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