EngineeringOn-site

GNC Engineer (Starship)

SpaceX · On-site

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Last seen by MeritLog September 12, 2026Source: GreenhouseSource version: greenhouse-job-board-v1

MeritLog read this listing from SpaceX's Greenhouse job board and last checked it on September 12, 2026.

Source: the employer's Greenhouse job board. Open the original listing for current details.

Job details

Work model: On-site
Salary: Not listed by source
Location: Starbase, TX

Hiring context

How this role compares at SpaceX

SpaceX has 2,405 live roles in MeritLog’s catalog across 11 job families, and 1,441 of them are in engineering. 198 of those listings publish a pay range, a disclosure rate of 8%.

SpaceX concentrates this hiring in:

Counted across the job boards MeritLog tracks, at the time this page was served. Pay comparisons use only listings that publish a complete range in the same currency and period.

What the role asks for

What you'd do

Develop innovative guidance, navigation, and control systems for Starship
Engage in multi-disciplinary vehicle systems investigations and design work that define the systems architecture
Implement new software or algorithms to enable mission unique capabilities and leading edge launch vehicle performance
Develop 6-DOF dynamics simulation models used for GNC systems analysis and validation
Analyze launch vehicle trajectories, performance dispersions, and flight stability
Conduct post flight data review and correlation with analyses for continued improvement of predictions
Support launch and mission operations of vehicles that you enabled
Perform testing of GNC software utilizing hardware-in-the-loop testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and algorithm unit testing

What they're asking for

Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering disciplineEducation
Experience with control systems, orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling, and simulationSkill
Experience with the software languages Python or C++Skill
Postgraduate degree in physics or an engineering disciplineEducationPreferred
2+ years of professional experience in control systems, orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, aerodynamics, sensors and actuators, modeling and simulation, and the software languages C++ and PythonExperiencePreferred
Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systemSkillPreferred
Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated teamSkillPreferred
Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflightSkillPreferred
Excellent communication skills both written and verbalSkillPreferred
Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as neededSkillPreferred
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.SkillPreferred

Parsed by MeritLog from the employer’s own posting. The full description follows below.

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 (STARSHIP) As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for pushing the technical boundaries of flight control systems for the world’s most advanced rockets, including our next-generation Starship vehicle, a fully reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans to the Moon, Mars and beyond. You will work with a talented team of accomplished engineers to develop, analyze, and test vehicles and subsystems for highly reliable flight. You should thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments where you adapt quickly and love to solve hard problems. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop innovative guidance, navigation, and control systems for Starship • Engage in multi-disciplinary vehicle systems investigations and design work that define the systems architecture • Implement new software or algorithms to enable mission unique capabilities and leading edge launch vehicle performance • Develop 6-DOF dynamics simulation models used for GNC systems analysis and validation • Analyze launch vehicle trajectories, performance dispersions, and flight stability • Conduct post flight data review and correlation with analyses for continued improvement of predictions • Support launch and mission operations of vehicles that you enabled • Perform testing of GNC software utilizing hardware-in-the-loop testing, Monte Carlo analysis, and algorithm unit testing BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline • Experience with control systems, orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling, and simulation • Experience with the software languages Python or C++ PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • Postgraduate degree in physics or an engineering discipline • 2+ years of professional experience in control systems, orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, aerodynamics, sensors and actuators, modeling and simulation, and the software languages C++ and Python • Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft system • Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed 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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