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GNC Engineer (Falcon)

Join SpaceX as a GNC Engineer to design and optimize mission trajectories for Falcon vehicles.

Location
Hawthorne, CA, United States
Compensation
$125k–$195k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Posted by employer 1 day ago

First seen on Joblaze 16 hours ago

Last verified on the company career page 16 hours ago

Skills & Technologies

C++ Python Flexible on stack

What you'll build

  • Perform trajectory design and optimization for Falcon missions
  • Develop flight constants and guidance parameters
  • Support launch and mission operations
  • Develop software automation tools for mission design
  • Perform trade studies to improve launch vehicle performance

Must have

  • Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with orbital mechanics
  • 1+ years of experience with C++ and Python

Nice to have

  • Master's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Demonstrated project experience in launch vehicle systems
  • Excellent communication skills

Practical constraints

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Requirements

Experience
1+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree

Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement, visa sponsorship.

Benefits

401k Match Equity/Stock Options Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

In the role of GNC Engineer for the Falcon team at SpaceX, the individual will focus on mission design and the implementation of GNC algorithms for Falcon vehicles, overseeing mission trajectories from initial requirements to launch operations. Proficiency in C++ and Python, along with a solid understanding of orbital mechanics and dynamics, is essential for success in this position. This role is suited for engineers with at least one year of relevant experience who thrive in fast-paced environments and are eager to contribute to the advancement of space exploration.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed today — first seen on Joblaze November 14, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page November 14, 2026.
  • Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
  • Starts above 63% of 350 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $110,000 across 66 companies). See Python salary trends
  • Python appears in 17.9% of 3426 comparable mid other roles in United States; C++ appears in 6.5% of 3426 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
SpaceX lists $125,000–$195,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?
At least 1 year of relevant experience for this GNC Engineer (Falcon) role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Python.
What seniority level is this role?
SpaceX targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this GNC Engineer (Falcon) role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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 (FALCON)

As a GNC Engineer on the Falcon team, you will be responsible for performing mission design and implementing new GNC algorithms for the set of Falcon vehicles. You will be driving the full-cycle of mission trajectories, from taking requirements from customers, design reviews, simulation and analysis of the mission, to running launch day operations in mission control. You help set the industry standard in launch cadence by supporting launch, entry and landing, and fairing recovery of every Falcon mission. This includes supporting all commercial, and government Falcon 9/Falcon Heavy missions and crewed Falcon 9 launches. We are looking for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, can work effectively in a fast-paced environment and share our passion in advancing the space industry. This is a high impact role that contributes to the SpaceX mission to get humans to Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicle missions for all phases of flight including ascent, entry and landing, and fairing recovery.
  • Develop flight constants and guidance parameters, verified via analysis to meet mission requirements subject to mission and vehicle constraints.
  • Support launch and mission operations from preflight testing through console operation, post flight data review and anomaly resolution.
  • Develop software automation tools for mission design, analysis, test and reporting.
  • Perform trade studies to improve launch vehicle performance and reliability.
  • Implement new software or algorithms to support mission unique capabilities.
  • Support full mission lifecycle, starting with sales and concluding with mission execution.
  • Interact with customers to execute current missions and develop future business.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
  • 1+ years of experience with orbital mechanics, classical dynamics, modeling, and simulation.
  • 1+ years of experience with the software languages C++ and Python.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
  • Demonstrated project or professional experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft systems.
  • Capability to solve 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.
  • Expert in building complex software systems using C++ and Python including back infrastructure and user interfaces.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $160,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $195,000.00

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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

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