Automation & Controls Engineer for Orbital AI Compute

Future Ventures; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer for the Starmind program to own the manufacturing line for on‑orbit AI compute hardware. You will design, build, and test automation and control systems for high‑reliability space hardware, including PLC software, HMI, and electrical panels, all while upholding safety and quality standards.

You will collaborate across teams to deliver scalable, safe automation solutions and ensure schedules and budgets are met for critical milestones in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation.
• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects - this includes initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications
• Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
• Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
• Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them

Skills

Automation design

PLC programming

Safety standards

Electrical troubleshooting

Fieldbus networking

Robotics programming

Electromechanical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/computer science

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

EPLAN

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer for the Starmind program to own the manufacturing line for on‑orbit AI compute hardware. You will design, build, and test automation and control systems for high‑reliability space hardware, including PLC software, HMI, and electrical panels, all while upholding safety and quality standards.

You will collaborate across teams to deliver scalable, safe automation solutions and ensure schedules and budgets are met for critical milestones in a