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.
GROUND SEGMENT CONTROLLER
The SpaceX Ground Segment Team is responsible for supporting a wide array of communications needs. They support and deploy our worldwide network of ground stations, own all launch site and recovery RF communications and optical tracking, and facilitate all Starlink Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C). For all real-time operations of Falcon, Dragon, and Starship, the team facilitates NASA flight operations interfaces and network integration, as well as operational voice, mission control video, and communications readiness testing.
The ideal candidate will be flexible, possess broad skills across networking, operations, and communications, and flourish in a fast-paced and challenging environment. You should be a self-starter that is able to take initiative and approach traditional problems in novel ways.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform real-time ground segment operations according to timeline, procedures and flight rules
- Support and perform as a member of the flight control team for Falcon, Dragon, and Starship
- Interface with external partners (private and government) to schedule/test/operate for ground-to-space and ground-to-ground communication systems
- Support mission critical voice communications
- Coordinate worldwide telemetry services for day of launch/prelaunch activities
- Coordinate operator and asset schedules
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 4+ years of experience with spacecraft, ground station, or other complex communication system operations
- 3+ years of project or industry experience with RF, controls, spacecraft, and/or communications systems
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering disciplines
- Experience working with government organizations (USAF, NASA, FAA, FCC, NTIA, etc.)
- Configuration and use of operational voice communication systems
- Experience working with and organizing technical data with strong attention to detail
- Experience developing link budgets and other engineering calculations related to system specification and design
- LEO and/or MEO ground station operations and engineering experience
- Manipulation and use of tracking and orbit determination files, formats, and tools
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
- Must be willing to travel as required to domestic and international ground station sites
- Must be willing to support extended hours and weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. unassisted
- Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000